Burton vows to protect welfare rates

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton says she will be making every effort to protect core social welfare rates as she considers how new savings of €440m are to be achieved next year.

She said she was determined that those on social welfare payments would not be marginalised while ensuring that those at work and paying PRSI are better off working than claiming social welfare.

Ms Burton met more than 30 voluntary and community groups at a pre-budget forum in Dublin Castle yesterday. The half-day meeting allowed the organisations an opportunity to have input into the budget process