MEASURES designed to boost health and social welfare payments will cost almost £80 million, according to figures contained in yesterday's Budget.
The measures include increases in child benefit, an increase in Family Income Supplement and a rise in the number of places on the Back to Work Allowance Scheme.
Mr Quinn said he was bringing in changes in the method of assessing earnings from employment when calculating the amount of unemployment assistance to be paid to people who find some work.
The Minister said it would simplify the system for people who find employment for part of a week and they would retain more money now.
Under the new system for example, a single person on full unemployment assistance earns £62.50 per week. If that person works for a day and earns £40 he or she will be paid £44.50 from social welfare. Under the current system they would be paid less.
The Minister has increased the Carer's allowance by £3 per week. This is in addition to the general 3 per cent increase. Carer's will also be exempt from the requirement of having to pay 13 contributions in the Governing Contribution Year for treatment benefit.
The Minister has also pledged to increase grants for community and voluntary service development projects. Around £9.15 million will be spent in these areas. These services include money advice and budgeting services lord people who are over-indebted or have difficulty managing their incomes.