Minister says Budget shouldn't just be seen in €5 increases

The Social Protection Minister says Budget 2022 shouldn't be seen in just €5 increases.

All the main weekly social welfare payments, including the state pension, are to rise by a fiver.

Organisations such as Barnardos said Budget 2022 was a good start, but doesn't go far enough to protect the most vulnerable families in Ireland.

Minister Heather Humphreys also dismissed claims that yesterday's announcement was "anti-rural".

Speaking to Northern Sound, she said the budget should be viewed from a wider perspective.