Expenditure on social security benefits increased by nine per cent in the first quarter this year, mainly on account of higher expenditure on retirement pensions, contributory bonus and children's allowance.

The National Statistics Office said total expenditure on social security benefits amounted to €206.9 million during the first three months this year, up by €17.1 million over the corresponding period last year.

This reflected mainly higher expenditure on Contributory Benefits amounting to €12.5 million. Concurrently non-contributory benefits increased by €4.6 million.

The increase in contributory benefits was essentially the result of a €7.2 million increase in retirement pensions, which totalled €89.7 million during the first quarter.

Invalidity pensions declined by €0.5 million and widowhood pensions edged up by €0.6 million, while the contributory bonus increased by €5.2 million.

Marginal increases of less than €0.1 million were registered under other benefits and benefit in respect of industrial injuries and gratuities.

Non-contributory benefits went up by €4.6 million over the corresponding quarter last year. This increase is attributed to a higher outlay of €3 million on children's allowance, mainly on account of the €100 increase in the children's allowance flat rate.

All other benefits registered an increase, the highest being recorded under social assistance and non-contributory bonus with €0.8 million and €0.4 million, respectively.