'No plans' to reinstate Christmas bonus
The Minister for Social Protection Eamon O'Cuiv has said there are no plans to bring back the Christmas bonus for social welfare recipients this year.
Minister O'Cuiv was today appearing before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, which was meeting today to discuss imminent and proposed cuts to social welfare and the State Pension.
He said there is no provision to bring back the payment - nor will he introduce a fuel voucher scheme.
"The cost of paying (the) Christmas bonus in 2010 would be in the region of €226m," he said.
Support groups for older people say the withdrawal of the bonus means the elderly now have to choose between heating their homes or eating.
