Heather Humphreys · TheJournal.ie

# heather-humphreys - Last week 20th November 2022 - 26th November 2022

Helen McEntee begins maternity leave with Heather Humphreys taking over justice brief

# Justice Minister

Helen McEntee begins maternity leave with Heather Humphreys taking over justice brief

Fri 6:16 PM 31,329 Views 16 Comments

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys will take over the justice brief until 17 December.

# heather-humphreys - Last month October 2022

# Ukrainian Refugees

Communities that take in Ukrainian refugees could get multimillion-euro funding

Oct 26th 2022, 10:07 PM 26,042 Views 52 Comments

Leo Varadkar said he wanted a community fund for areas to improve schools, public transport, community and sporting facilities.

Student grant holders to receive additional maintenance payment in mid-December

# Maintenance Grant

Student grant holders to receive additional maintenance payment in mid-December

Updated Oct 17th 2022, 9:03 AM 6,540 Views 4 Comments

For some students, it will result in an additional €679 before the end of the year.

Ministers announce payment dates for social protection supports introduced in Budget

# Budget 2023

Ministers announce payment dates for social protection supports introduced in Budget

Updated Oct 11th 2022, 11:00 AM 45,476 Views 21 Comments

A double social welfare payment will be paid next week while a double Child Benefit payment will be paid at the start of next month.

# Pensions

Explainer: How will the auto-enrolment pension scheme work?

Oct 10th 2022, 1:48 PM 17,841 Views 24 Comments

The new scheme is set to apply to over 750,000 workers across the country.

# heather-humphreys - This year 2022

Social Protection Minister appears to rule out €20 increase in social welfare payments

# Budget 2023

Social Protection Minister appears to rule out €20 increase in social welfare payments

Sep 25th 2022, 4:13 PM 32,788 Views 74 Comments

Minister Humphreys said there ‘won’t be any money left’ for other measures if this were done.

Proposals on pension age to go to Cabinet before budget, says minister

# Fine Gael Think-In

Proposals on pension age to go to Cabinet before budget, says minister

Sep 9th 2022, 3:45 PM 29,572 Views 21 Comments

The recommendation on the pension age has been delayed since April.

€22.7 million paid out so far this year on emergency social welfare payments

# Cost Of Living

€22.7 million paid out so far this year on emergency social welfare payments

Aug 17th 2022, 6:59 PM 16,749 Views 13 Comments

The Government has provided funding of €45.75 million for the additional needs payment this year.

17,000 apply for emergency social welfare payments for food, fuel and clothing in July alone

# Inflation Crisis

17,000 apply for emergency social welfare payments for food, fuel and clothing in July alone

Aug 6th 2022, 7:30 AM 27,112 Views 8 Comments

The number of applications has been rising month-on-month in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

# Disability Allowance

Mother receives letter seeking repayment of disability allowance claimed after her son died

Jun 11th 2022, 9:48 AM 68,982 Views 36 Comments

Tracy McGinnis said that she was “shocked and appalled” at the letter.

# Cost Of Living

Govt won't be dropping motorway tolls as part of its plan to tackle the cost-of-living surge

Jun 10th 2022, 12:05 AM 21,650 Views 49 Comments

A spokesperson for Minister Eamon Ryan has confirmed that there are no plans to reduce toll charges despite commuters facing crippling price hikes in fuel, reports Christina Finn.
Some in Govt circles say they are open to looking at reducing toll charges, but fear that such a proposal would not get past the Greens.
One Fine Gael TD says he is in favour of a toll reduction, saying it would help motorists that are under pressure.

Proposals on possible pension age increase to go to Govt before summer recess, says minister

# Retirement

Proposals on possible pension age increase to go to Govt before summer recess, says minister

Jun 8th 2022, 2:47 PM 36,260 Views 50 Comments

The Pensions Commission has recommended a gradual increase in the qualification age from 66 to 68 over the next 17 years.

No 'magic money tree' to help with fuel costs, says minister as pump prices jump above €2 a litre

# Cost Of Living

No 'magic money tree' to help with fuel costs, says minister as pump prices jump above €2 a litre

Jun 8th 2022, 2:27 PM 42,694 Views 63 Comments

Minister Heather Humphreys says remote working is a ‘sensible option’ for those looking to cut costs.

# Aran Islands

€4.9 million contract announced for flights to the Aran Islands

Jun 5th 2022, 1:30 PM 22,169 Views 9 Comments

The contract ensures the provision of a direct service from the mainland to the two smaller islands, Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr.

# Cabinet

Cabinet approves two-year lease on Citywest Hotel to accommodate Ukrainian refugees

Updated May 31st 2022, 9:21 PM 44,665 Views 53 Comments

The hotel and conference centre currently accommodates about 2,300 people fleeing the war.

Thousands of people with alopecia can benefit from €500 grant to buy wig

# Wig Grant

Thousands of people with alopecia can benefit from €500 grant to buy wig

May 25th 2022, 2:55 PM 16,416 Views 9 Comments

The government grant will go to people who suffer hair loss due to illness.

Up to €14,000 can be earned in rent by social welfare recipients under newly agreed rules

# Rent A Room

Up to €14,000 can be earned in rent by social welfare recipients under newly agreed rules

May 19th 2022, 3:23 PM 49,569 Views 61 Comments

The change means that social welfare payments will not be impacted for earning rental income under €14,000.

Extra Fuel Allowance payment of €100 to be issued this week

# Heating

Extra Fuel Allowance payment of €100 to be issued this week

May 16th 2022, 11:25 AM 30,534 Views 33 Comments

All households who received Fuel Allowance in early April will automatically receive the €100 lump sum.

# Pension Age

Proposals on State pension age to be brought to Govt 'very soon', says minister

Apr 27th 2022, 5:26 PM 26,141 Views 20 Comments

The Pension Commission has recommended that the State pension age should rise to 67 by 2031.

Payment to households hosting Ukrainian refugees ‘to be made in coming weeks’

# Ukraine

Payment to households hosting Ukrainian refugees ‘to be made in coming weeks’

Apr 27th 2022, 4:45 PM 16,743 Views 17 Comments

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said there are almost 27,000 Ukrainians who have been issued with PPS numbers.

The government's launched a plan to auto-enrol workers for pensions - here's how it will work

# Explainer

The government's launched a plan to auto-enrol workers for pensions - here's how it will work

Mar 29th 2022, 6:29 PM 18,820 Views 15 Comments

The auto-enrolment pension scheme is set to come into effect in early 2024.

750,000 workers set to be auto-enrolled in new pensions scheme by early 2024

# Cabinet

750,000 workers set to be auto-enrolled in new pensions scheme by early 2024

Updated Mar 29th 2022, 12:50 PM 38,649 Views 51 Comments

Auto-enrolment was initially meant to start this year but due to the pandemic the roll out was delayed.

# Refugees

Up to 40,000 Ukrainian refugees may arrive in Ireland by end of April, says Varadkar

Updated Mar 22nd 2022, 6:39 PM 39,824 Views 68 Comments

Over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland since Russia launched its invasion almost a month ago.

# Ukrainian Refugees

Three new centres to support Ukrainian refugees to open in Dublin, Cork and Limerick

Mar 17th 2022, 8:58 AM 24,116 Views 11 Comments

Almost 7,300 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland since the war broke out last month.

Fuel allowance recipients to receive once-off bonus payment of €125 from today

# Cost Of Living Crisis

Fuel allowance recipients to receive once-off bonus payment of €125 from today

Mar 14th 2022, 6:00 AM 50,774 Views 26 Comments

The once-off payment is means-tested and is available to pensioners, widows, widowers, jobseekers, lone-parents and people with disabilities.

# Social Protection

'Insanity': Criticism as unemployment benefit to be paid at post offices rather than online

Feb 7th 2022, 12:05 AM 118,385 Views 121 Comments

One man said he now has to drive over 55km to a post office in order to collect the payment, which brings his fuel cost to between €45 - €50 a week.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said that the return to post offices would help to support the network and tackle welfare fraud.
A Social Democrats TD said the idea that people in receipt of social welfare are going to defraud the State "has been debunked on several occasions".

Enhanced Illness Benefit extended until end of June

# Covid-19

Enhanced Illness Benefit extended until end of June

Feb 1st 2022, 6:51 PM 15,590 Views 2 Comments

To date, almost €230 million has been paid under this scheme, supporting over 374,500 people.

Jobseekers payments to return to post offices following lifting of Covid restrictions

# Heather Humphreys

Jobseekers payments to return to post offices following lifting of Covid restrictions

Jan 26th 2022, 6:08 PM 19,951 Views 18 Comments

The measure will initially apply to new applicants before being extended to other jobseekers over the coming months.

Old schools, cinemas and vacant buildings to be re-vamped into work hubs and community spaces

# Rural Ireland

Old schools, cinemas and vacant buildings to be re-vamped into work hubs and community spaces

Jan 6th 2022, 3:58 PM 25,840 Views 26 Comments

The aim of the funding is to target dereliction in towns and villages in rural Ireland.

# heather-humphreys - Last year 2021

# Wexford

Some Wexford homes saw one-metre flood levels after 'devastating' Christmas rainfall

Updated Dec 26th 2021, 5:25 PM 81,374 Views 25 Comments

The flooding has been particularly severe in county Wexford.

Government reintroduces PUP as restrictions hit entertainment and hospitality sectors

# PUP Returns

Government reintroduces PUP as restrictions hit entertainment and hospitality sectors

Updated Dec 3rd 2021, 8:42 PM 45,611 Views 46 Comments

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys confirmed the measure in a tweet this evening.

The tidiest town in Ireland has been revealed

# Tidy Towns

The tidiest town in Ireland has been revealed

Nov 12th 2021, 1:35 PM 49,863 Views 17 Comments

It’s in Co Clare.

Legislation that allows drinking outside pubs and restaurants extended to May

# Outdoor Seating

Legislation that allows drinking outside pubs and restaurants extended to May

Oct 22nd 2021, 5:31 PM 16,145 Views 14 Comments

From today, alcohol cannot be sold or consumed after 11pm in certain outdoor seating areas.

Government agrees to provide up to 500 extra places for Afghan family members

# Afghanistan

Government agrees to provide up to 500 extra places for Afghan family members

Updated Sep 28th 2021, 4:49 PM 10,806 Views 41 Comments

More than 670 Afghan nationals have already been granted permission to reside in the State so far this year.

Winter Fuel Allowance payment begins this week as govt hints at widening eligibility net

# Thintean Fein

Winter Fuel Allowance payment begins this week as govt hints at widening eligibility net

Sep 27th 2021, 6:21 AM 60,775 Views 15 Comments

The fuel allowance is an additional social welfare payment that is means-tested.

Gardaí involved in rescue of IRA kidnap victim honoured almost 40 years on

# Don Tidey

Gardaí involved in rescue of IRA kidnap victim honoured almost 40 years on

Sep 24th 2021, 3:42 PM 15,656 Views 14 Comments

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris presented the Scott medal, the force’s highest honour, to 15 deceased and serving members of An Garda Síochána.

Sinn Féin motion on Coveney is a publicity stunt, says Humphreys

# Zapponegate

Sinn Féin motion on Coveney is a publicity stunt, says Humphreys

Sep 12th 2021, 4:03 PM 17,572 Views 93 Comments

The Minister for Social Protection said today that there are “more important things” than the controversy surrounding Coveney’s appointment of Katherine Zappone to a UN special envoy position.