Social benefits total €1.3 billion in 2013

In 2013, the total gross social protection outlay was €1,390.4 million, reflecting a €71.5 million rise over 2012.

The highest increases were registered in Hospitals and Other Health Care (€34.2 million), Social Security Contributory Benefits (€20.0 million) and Social Security Non-Contributory Benefits (€11.9 million). Only four of the nineteen social schemes registered a decline in expenditure, with Treasury Pensions recording the largest decrease of €2.6 million.

The total net social outlay in 2013 amounted to €1,362.3 million, resulting in a tax revenue of €28.1 million. This is €1.9 million more in this revenue stream over 2012. Only four schemes are subject to tax, with the highest revenue obtained through the Social Security Contributory Benefits scheme (€22.1 million).