Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke has said that the forthcoming increase in social protection payments, such as the state pension and unemployment benefit, is a direct result of Fianna Fáil’s negotiating power in the current Dáil.

Deputy O’Rourke was commenting as social protection payments were set to rise on March 10th to take account of the changes announced in Budget 2017 last October.

“Fianna Fáil made it abundantly and crystal clear to Minister Leo Varadkar that a €5 per week increase in all payments would be a red line issue for the party,” explained Deputy O’Rourke.

“There was resistance from Fine Gael but we held our firm on our commitment and ultimately secured a rise in social protection payments under Budget 2017. While €5 per week isn’t a life changing sum, it is a step in the right direction, and rightly sets a precedent in terms of subsequent budgets.

“Fianna Fáil is committing to providing a better standard of living for everyone on a social protection payment, and ensuring that those who can work have a viable pathway back into the workforce.

“I’ve no doubt that we will see members of the Fine Gael party jumping up and down to welcome the increase, but they need to remember that they had to be pushed to support it. Fine Gael has a very poor record on supporting vulnerable people,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.