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.