Budget invests €1.12bn into welfare projects

IT was the largest ever welfare Budget package with substantial increases in allowances, pensions and entitlements, plus a range of social policy measures.

Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan had over €1.12 billion to spend and those that benefited most were young families, carers and people on low incomes.

He also pointed out that total expenditure on welfare next year would be €13.5bn - double what was spent in 2000.