The outlay on social security benefits increased by €15.5 million when compared to last year, the National Statistics Office said.

It said total social security benefits amounted to €868.4 million in 2015, reflecting a 1.8 per cent increase on 2014. This was due to a €22.6 million rise in contributory benefits outlay. The expenditure on non-contributory benefits decreased by €7.1 million.

The rise in outlay on contributory benefits outlay was mainly due to a €20.4 million rise in retirement pensions.

A €9.7 million decline in children’s allowance was the main reason for the drop in non-contributory benefits. This was due to an extra payment being effected in 2014.

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