BUDGET 2016: Coalition to restore 75% of Christmas bonus to prove widespread recovery

The Coalition will today move to prove the economic recovery is benefiting every section of society by returning 75% of the Christmas bonus to struggling pensioners and social-welfare recipients — up from the 50% that had been flagged.

The last-minute change will be announced by Finance Minister Michael Noonan when he reveals the €1.5bn Budget 2016, made up of tax cuts (€720m) and benefits hikes.

The opposition insists it is a pre-election bribe that puts any economic comeback at risk, while the Government is keen to frame it as proof Ireland has recovered.