Expenditure on social security benefits rose by 13.1 per cent during the first six months of this year, driven mainly by outlays on retirement pensions, contributory bonuses and children's allow-ances, the National Statistics Office said.

That expenditure amounted to €332.1 million, an increase of €38.5 million compared to the same period last year. This rise reflected higher outlays of €27.1 million and €11.4 million on contributory and non-contributory benefits respectively.

The increase in contributory benefits was essentially the result of an €18.8 million growth in retirement pensions, which amounted to €154.6 million.

This rise was primarily underpinned by additional outlays amounting to €12.3 million on the two-thirds pension, in part reflecting a rise in the number of beneficiaries. Pensions in respect of invalidity increased as did benefits relating to industrial injuries. Pensions in respect of widowhood went up by €1.9 million while the Contributory Bonus increased by €3.7 million.

Non-contributory benefits went up by €11.4 million over the same period last year.

Within this category there was an €8.5 million rise in Children's Allowances resulting from a one-time payment to new beneficiaries. This expenditure was made during the first quarter of the year.

Other increases were recorded under Social Assistance, up by €0.9 million and under the Non-Contributory Bonus, which increased by €1million.