More than 1.5m people to get social welfare increases

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said the changes represent  the 'largest increase in weekly payments for over a decade'. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Over €1bn in social protection increases are set to come into effect from next week.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said a €12 increase in the maximum rate of all core weekly payments will benefit more than 1.5m people.