FG slams delay in payment of social welfare increases

Fine Gael has accused the Government of using the budgetary increase in social welfare payments in an attempt to gain votes ahead of the impending general election.

Party spokesman Brian Hayes has criticised the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs for delaying the payment of the increases until mid-February, even though they came into effect on January 1.

Social welfare recipients will receive a back-dated lump sum for the months affected by the delay and Fine Gael believes this payment was designed to coincide with the election campaign.

Mr Hayes said the most vulnerable people in Irish society will suffer because of the Fianna Fail plan.