The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights has acknowledged the report titled “Minimum Essential Budget for a Decent Living,” released today by Caritas, and expressed gratitude, recognizing it as a valuable tool in shaping ongoing social measures.

The report’s findings appear to align with the government’s actions, as noted by the recent 2024 Budget, which introduced several measures to enhance the quality of life for families with children, people with disabilities, and pensioners through increased and new benefits.

According to Caritas’s analysis, a couple where both adults are employed at the national minimum wage and have two children has a net income exceeding the basic cost of living by €5,916. In contrast, if only one partner is working, their net income falls €2,434 short of the basic cost of living.

This underscores the importance of employment in improving income levels, supported by incentives and benefits such as the In-Work Benefit and free Child Care.

The Ministry also considered the recommendations from the report. The Labour Party emphasized that the government already adjusts benefit rates annually according to the price index to assist social beneficiaries. It is crucial to note that the additional cost-of-living benefit will continue annually to help families and pensioners manage inflation, despite its notable reduction.

Furthermore, the Labour Party mentioned that work has been undertaken on other recommendations as part of various government strategies, including those related to Families and Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.