Calls for increase in social welfare payments ahead of budget 2022

A 10 euro increase in welfare is vital in next month's Budget to prevent financially stretched people falling further into poverty.

That's the view of Social Justice Ireland which wants to see the weekly payments keep pace with inflation.

It's also calling for the introduction of a single-rate universal State pension of 258 euro from next year.

Sean Healy of Social Justice Ireland says it would be heartless of the Government to overlook those in poverty for the third year in a row.