Plans are underway within the government to execute double payments for the state pension and child benefit, alongside other cost-of-living stipends, by the 3rd of December. This schedule, soon to be proposed to the Cabinet, might intensify conjecture about an advanced general election, as seven out of ten payments have been slated for disbursal prior to the 22nd of November, a date many political insiders anticipate could see the nation out to vote.
Heather Humphreys, the Social Protection Minister, is set to present a memorandum to the Cabinet detailing the issuance dates for the cost-of-living payments that were declared in the Budget. The inaugural payment will be the “October Bonus”, consisting of doubled welfare payments for pensioners, carers, disabled individuals, and those seeking employment, scheduled to be dispensed during the week commencing the 28th of October.
In the subsequent week, starting on November 4th, a €400 handout will be given to recipients of the Working Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, and Invalidity Pension. A payment of €300 for all Fuel Allowance receivers will be made within the same week.
The initial double child benefit payment before the festive season is set to happen on the 5th of November, with a second one due on the 3rd of December.
Those who benefit from the Carer’s Support Grant will receive a €400 payment beginning the week of the 11th of November and a €200 payment will be made to those receiving the Living Alone Allowance within the same period.
In the week commencing November 25th, beneficiaries of Child Support Payments, previously acknowledged as the Qualified Child payment, will be given €100 per child.
The Christmas Bonus, a double payment for all welfare recipients, is expected to be disbursed in the week that begins on December 2nd.
Eamon Ryan, the Environmental Minister, is anticipated to seek approval from the Cabinet for a legislation that would facilitate two energy credits of €250 each for every household. The purpose is for the initial €125 credit to be available by November 1st, thus, allowing citizens to enjoy benefits throughout the November and December billing cycle. The second credit of €125 is scheduled to be disbursed starting January 1st.
In a separate event, Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, is set to update the Cabinet about a novel assistance plan for businesses that were adversely affected by the recent floods in Bantry, Co Cork. Additionally, he is likely to introduce a memo on the “Power-up” scheme worth €170 million, consisting of €4,000 grants purposed to bolster businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors.
An amendment to the Broadcasting Bill – aimed at enhancing the public service broadcasting following the controversies surrounding RTÉ last year – will also be under review by the ministers. Catherine Martin, the Media Minister, is projected to put forth the legislation to the Cabinet that would position RTÉ under the oversight of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). The legislation also seeks to empower the structure, role, and duties of the RTÉ boards, along with other provisions.
Roderic O’Gorman, the Minister for Equality and Disability, will also propose for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the government. By ratifying the Optional Protocol, the convention will permit individuals with disabilities to directly approach the United Nations if they believe their rights are in jeopardy.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is likely to urge for Cabinet endorsement to craft amending legislation about assisted human reproduction. This serves to resolve certain matters that came up during the Oireachtas debates on the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, enacted in the summertime although its conditions are yet to be applied.
Included in the measures is the provision of clarity to the Irish residents or citizens who are contemplating DAHR procedures overseas tied to the planned amendment bill. The legislation’s aim is to establish a system that would enable parents to petition for a parentage declaration for a child born from such procedures. The proposed law also aims to offer a route for Irish individuals living overseas, who have carried out DAHR or surrogacy in a different jurisdiction, to attain recognition of their parentage in Ireland.