Welfare steps hailed by church group

THE Government reached an historic breakthrough by raising the lowest social welfare support, the religious organisation CORI said yesterday. It represents 135 congregations.

“By raising the lowest rate by €20 a week the government honoured the commitment, it made in its National Anti-Poverty Strategy,” CORI Justice director Fr Seán Healy said.

“We regret the failure to raise the eligibility threshold for medical cards. What is required is full medical card coverage for all vulnerable people in Ireland. This should have been addressed given the resources that are available,” he said.