Social welfare spending up 80% in six years

The amount of money spent on social welfare has increased by 80% in the past six years, according to the Department of Social and Family Affairs’ annual report for 2003.

The report showed that a record €10.4bn was spent on social welfare during the year, an increase of more than €4.5bn on the figure for 1997.

Launching the document today, Minister Mary Coughlan predicted that spending would increase to €11.3bn this year.

The report showed that approximately 975,000 people received a weekly social welfare payment in 2003.

It said one of the most significant achievements during the year was the establishment of the Family Support Agency.