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Know Your Rights: Eligibility for the Christmas Bonus

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Q. I am in receipt of a weekly social welfare payment and I am wondering if I will get the Christmas Bonus?

A. In general the Christmas Bonus is an extra payment paid to people in receipt of an eligible long-term social welfare payment. In 2021, people getting the following payments will get a Christmas Bonus:

* Back to Work Enterprise Allowance * COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) * Blind Pension * Carer's Allowance and Benefit (including half-rate Carer's Allowance) * Community Employment * Deserted Wife's Allowance and Benefit * Daily Expenses Allowance, formerly called Direct Provision Allowance (long-term only - 12 months) * Disability Allowance * Disablement Pension and Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension under the Occupational * Injuries Scheme * Domiciliary Care Allowance * Farm Assist * Guardian's Payment (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory) * Invalidity Pension * Job Initiative * Jobseeker's Allowance (for at least 104 days) * Jobseeker's Transitional Payment * Magdalene Laundry Payment * One-Parent Family Payment * Partial Capacity Benefit * Rural Social Scheme * State Pension (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory) * Supplementary Welfare Allowance (long-term only - 12 months) * Tús * Widow, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory)

Q. How much is the Christmas Bonus?

A. In 2021, the Christmas Bonus will be 100% of your normal weekly payment (including the Living Alone Increase, the Island Allowance and the Over-80 Increase). The Christmas Bonus does not include Fuel Allowance. The minimum Christmas Bonus payment is €20.

If an Increase for a Qualified Adult is paid directly to your dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, the Christmas Bonus is also paid directly to them.

If you are getting two eligible social welfare payments (for example, a One-Parent Family Payment and the Domiciliary Care Allowance or a half-rate Carer’s Allowance as well as your primary payment) you get the Christmas Bonus for both payments.

During COVID-19, you can find comprehensive integrated information online at citizensinformation.ie/covid19/ and you can get daily updates on what’s changed on Twitter at @citizensinfo.

You can also get information and advice from:
Tralee on Tel: Call 0818 07 7860, Monday – Friday (10am-4pm)

The Citizens Information Phone Service: Call 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm
Our national call back service: Visit citizensinformation.ie/callback to request a phone call from an information officer.

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Incredible value at Paco warehouse clearance

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Paco Clothing is to open a second shop at the Killarney Outlet Centre for March and April – and the fantastic news for customers is that there will be some astonishing bargains to be availed of.



Paco will have a massive warehouse stock clearance in the temporary shop with ladies and men’s fashion tops, trousers, fleeces, jackets and so much more clearing from as little as €9.99.

They will also be selling stylish and popular Regatta outdoor tops at 70% off the recommended retail price.

The temporary pop-up store opens this Thursday, March 5th, at 10.00am and it will remain open until the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Paco has established a great reputation for being a one-stop-shop for really classy fashion with some of the major brands in stock to ensure customers can avail of great quality as well as great prices.

Now is the ideal time to stock up your wardrobe for spring and summer and the team at Paco can advise you on the best options to ensure you look and feel your best in the weeks and months ahead.

True style is about choosing what you love and you’re sure to find that at Paco and, better still, there are massive discounts to be availed of.

Hugely popular brands stocked include Paco, Paco Active, Just Elegance, Regatta, Mudflower and Paco Man and the prices really will have to be seen to be believed

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Tourism Ireland CEO Outlines Global Strategy at KTIF Tourism Day

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The CEO of Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh, was in Killarney on Tuesday of this week to address tourism leaders from across the county at the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF) Tourism Day 2026.

The event, held at The Brehon Hotel & Spa, brought together a broad range of representatives from Kerry’s business community, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, and transport services.


As a membership organisation representing tourism operators throughout the county, KTIF provides a unified voice for the sector.

During her address, Ms Mansergh outlined overseas market performance and emerging travel trends, focusing specifically on how Kerry can capitalise on international opportunities.


The morning featured a diverse line-up of speakers, including Kerry County Council Chief Executive Fearghal Reidy, who spoke on infrastructure and sustainable growth, and Miriam Kennedy, Head of the Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland.

Technology and the economy were also central themes, with RDI Hub CEO Fergal Brosnan discussing AI and digital transformation, while global financial expert Mike O’Sullivan provided insights into international economic conditions.

Writer and publican Billy Keane also addressed the gathering, highlighting the cultural role of the Irish pub in the visitor experience.


KTIF Chairperson Pat O’Leary said the diversity of speakers reflects the interconnected nature of the industry: “Tourism in Kerry is not one single sector — it is a network of businesses and communities working together. From international marketing and economic forecasting to innovation and the unique role of our publicans, today’s discussions highlight how every element contributes to the strength of our tourism product. With representation from all regions, chambers and businesses of every scale in the county, KTIF ensures that the voice is unified and influential.”


The discussions focused on sustainability and community resilience, with significant attention given to upcoming international opportunities like the Ryder Cup 2027.

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