Expenditure on social security benefits went up by almost four per cent in the first six months on the back of a higher outlay on retirement pensions.

With an expenditure of €405 million, spending on social benefits increased by €15m, according to National Statistics Office figures released yesterday.

There were higher outlays on both contributory benefits (€8.9m) and non-contributory benefits (€6.2m).

While the rise in contributory benefits was a result of more retirement pensions being dished out, the increase in non-contributory benefits was led by a higher outlay on children’s allowance.

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