Payments to increase for pensioners and lone parents

Pensioners and lone parents look set to receive increases in State payments, but not all social welfare recipients will benefit from the autumn budget.

Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said, for her, a priority in budget negotiations was the most vulnerable, especially children and lone parents in need of welfare supports.

Figures this week revealed a significantly low take-up of paternity leave by fathers since changes were introduced last year.