Spending on social security benefits rose by seven per cent to €390.4 million in the first six months of this year, costing the state an extra €25.4 million.
The amount spent on contributory benefits went up by €19.1 million, with pension payouts alone rising by an extra €13.2 million.
The total cost of non-contributory benefits also increased, by €6.3 million.
This was mainly attributed to higher government expenditure on children’s allowance and social assistance.