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.

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