Call to reinstate Christmas bonus for welfare recipients

The Minister for Social Protection will come under pressure today to reinstate the Christmas bonus for Social Welfare recipients.

The traditional double payment was paid to offset the cost of Christmas - but was abolished last year.

The Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection has asked for the payment - which costs the State €233m - to be reinstated this year.

Today Minister Eamon O Cuiv will respond to concerns raised about the hardship caused by abolishing the Christmas bonus.

Meanwhile groups representing older people are urging the Government not to cut the old age pension in the Budget.

The Older and Bolder campaign will make its case before the Committee today.

It follows a reported rift in the Cabinet on the issue, while several Fianna Fáil backbenchers are threatening to vote against the Budget if it contains cuts to the pension.