# Welfare
Last week
19th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023
Opinion: The impact of fast fashion on climate is undeniable and Black Friday makes it worse
Labour senator Rebecca Moynihan says it’s time to turn your back on Black Friday and fast fashion.
This year
2023
Dog Behaviourist: We have a dog welfare crisis in Ireland that we can no longer ignore
Suzi Walsh tackles the reality behind the ‘cute puppy’ trends and asks those looking for dogs to adopt, not shop.
'Don't dress your pets up' and other helpful advice heading into Halloween night
Most pets have much more sensitive hearing than humans, so are particularly vulnerable to fireworks.
€12 weekly increase to social welfare payments, plus double payment at Christmas and in January
The increased payments were announced this afternoon in the Dáil.
Intergenerational fairness? The question mark over making people 66 and older pay PRSI
Ireland’s population is ageing and we need more money from PRSI for pensions – but who’s going to pay it?
Opinion: Many carers feel isolated with no confidence after being out of paid work for so long
Caroline Lawless shares her experience of life as a carer and says more supports are needed for those returning to paid work.
Last year
2022
Core welfare payments increasing by €12 and plan for one-off double payments confirmed
A number of other social welfare measures were also announced.
There will be a double payment of child benefit paid out in November.
The Fuel Allowance is set to have it's means test ceiling raised, alongside a €400 lump sum.
The total package is worth €2.2 billion.
Employees who are forced to self-isolate due to monkeypox advised to apply for Illness Benefit
Financial supports may available to those who contract the virus.
Ice skating raises minimum age from 15 to 17 following Valieva Olympic controversy
One hundred countries voted to support the measure, with only 16 opposed.
All time
ESRI warns of 'real cuts' to low-income families and retired couples if prices keep rising
The research into Tuesday’s budget was published by the Economic and Social Research Institute.
State pension and core social welfare payments to increase by €5 per week
A range of other social welfare increases was announced.
This will bring the full State pension to €253.30 per week.
A €5 increase to the Fuel Allowance comes into effect from midnight.
The Living Alone Allowance will also increase by €3 per week.
Number of people getting Covid PUP falls below 100,000 for the first time
The Department of Social Protection said that 97,130 people got a payment this week.
World Rugby will globally trial the 50:22 kick and new breakdown laws
The new laws could have a big impact on the shape and safety of the game.
Child benefit instalment unpaid for older teenagers due to delay with forms
Several families who expected to be given the payment this week have not received it.
Almost half a million people to receive Pandemic Unemployment Payment tomorrow
Construction is the sector that has seen the largest increase in the number of people receiving PUP this week.
New arrangements for people to claim Pandemic Unemployment Payment between now and new year
Minister Heather Humphreys said applications would be processed “without delay”.
Online abuse sees EPCR switch referee Brace's Champions Cup appointment
‘With his welfare and development as a referee to the fore, this course of action was deemed to be appropriate.’
Jobs market at 2016 levels as government tells PUP recipients to 'genuinely seek work'
Jobseekers will face tough competition with hundreds of thousands of people still out of work as a direct result of the pandemic.
Minister signals change to pandemic unemployment payment on the way
Some 95,800 people are now receiving the reduced payment of €203 per week.
Student housing crisis: 'We have students who are sleeping in cars, on their friends' floors'
UCD’s Welfare Officer said that students are coming to her office with sleeping bags.
Teenage girl was on mental health waiting list for three months before suicide
Niamh’s case is among three child deaths examined by the National Review Panel.
Gardaí concerned for missing girl (16) last seen getting into grey BMW
Elaine Sweeney was last seen getting into the grey BMW in Lucan.
'It's about a culture change': New welfare payment which could benefit up to 60,000 parents announced
Details of the Parental Leave scheme were announced this morning.
Gardaí concerned for welfare of missing 24-year-old man
Conor Burke was last seen in the early hours of this morning at 1.45am in Galway City.
Music teacher claimed €175,000 in welfare while living in €3,000 penthouse apartment, court told
He is repaying €100 a week.
'Severe' experiments on live animals increased in Ireland last year
Experiments included “inducing cancer in animals… and acute poisoning tests that stop just short of death.”
RSA says Public Services Card will help crack down on fraudulent driving licences
The card has been under the spotlight recently after a number of stories of people losing out on public services.
Greens co-leader in New Zealand resigns after admitting to welfare fraud
Metiria Turei revealed she wrongfully claimed welfare benefits to support her baby while studying for a law degree in the early 1990s.
'Snot-nosed, hostile, passive aggressive': Complaints about staff at Dublin welfare offices
Details of complaints were released to TheJournal.ie under the Freedom of Information Act.
Number of young people signing on now stands at over 32,000
There are currently over 11,000 young people in long-term unemployment.
Dept had concerns over calling people 'cheats' in controversial welfare ad campaign
Newly-released FOI documents show that the Department had considered changing the title to something less forceful.
Poll: Would you inform on your neighbours if you suspected they were welfare cheats?
Nearly 20,000 people reported suspicious behaviour last year.
Former Canada lock summons Clermont to court over concussions
The French giants say it is not ‘a complaint against the club’ and that Jamie Cudmore is merely seeking medical expertise.
Department of Social Protection pursued a woman for €20,000, but she was actually owed €700
The incident was included as a case study in the Office of the Ombudsman’s annual report for 2016.
Every three months, the government will publish the names and addresses of welfare fraudsters
The provision is included in the Social Welfare Bill 2017, which was published today.
Woman who claimed over €100k in welfare fraud 'used it to pay off son's drug debt'
Carol Clarke claimed welfare payments under her sister’s name for 17 years.
Irish soldiers 'depend on loan sharks and welfare payments' to support their families
Family members gathered outside barracks all across the country today to highlight pay issues.
'It's an extremely Draconian act': Judge denies Tusla bid to place children into care
“This court doesn’t operate on worries or concerns,” the judge said. “It operates on facts.”
