Dáil figures show growth in local social welfare claims

Separate sets of figures made public at Dáil Éireann level recently show that the number of people in Westmeath receiving social welfare supports due to health challenges rose by more 400 in the last five years, and that childcare costs in Westmeath are the highest in the midlands.

Figures provided by Dara Calleary, TD, Minister for Social Protection, showed that at the end of January 2020, various payments for disabilities or illnesses were being paid to 6,936 people. By the end of January 2025, that figure had risen to 7,372, a total rise of 436.

Minister Calleary provided the figures by way of a response to a series of parliamentary questions tabled by Limerick City deputy, Maurice Quinlivan.

The largest category in which a rise in eligibility numbers applied was that of the disability allowance, which was being paid to 3,290 people in January 2020, but to 3,734 in January of this year, an increase of 444.

There was a rise from 1,952 to 2,056 in the numbers receiving illness benefit payment, and a rise from 51 to 70 in those who qualified for partial capacity benefit.

At the same time, the numbers in receipt of the invalidity pension fell from 1,336 to 1,243; there were just 18 receiving the blind pension in January of this year compared to 25 in January 2020; injury benefit payments were being made to 46 people in January 2020 but just 24 in January of this year, and the numbers in receipt of disablement benefit also fell, being paid in January 2020 to 236 people, and in January of this year, to 227.

Childcare

Meanwhile, a separate enquiry – lodged by Deputy Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North) – produced a table revealing that Westmeath is one of the more expensive counties when it comes to childcare costs.

Parents in Westmeath pay an average of €189.50 per week per child – almost €40 a week more than parents in the most affordable county, Leitrim, where the cost averages €150 per week. The figure puts Westmeath in 10th place on the table.

The most expensive areas for childcare are around Dublin, and the borough of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown tops the list with an average cost of €258.57, followed by Wicklow, on €232.43.

The figures were presented by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley. She said the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides subsidies to families to help reduce their early learning and childcare costs. Two types of subsidies are available for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years: a universal subsidy which is not means tested and provides €2.14 per hour, for a maximum of 45 weekly hours. A family using 45 hours of care a week who are in receipt of the universal subsidy would receive € 96.30 off their weekly childcare fee; and an income-assessed subsidy which may result in a higher hourly rate depending on factors such as the family income, child age and number of children in the family. Depending on these factors, rates may be awarded up to €5.10 per hour.