€10 increase for pensions as well as carer's and disability allowances in next budget

A €10 increase in the State pension alone would cost the State around €377m extra each year.

A €10 increase for pensioners and those on carer's and disability allowances is expected as part of a social welfare package in the budget.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has confirmed that she will be seeking increases to the three payments and has not ruled out improvements to other welfare supports.