Christmas bonuses totalling €370m began for those receiving social welfare payments on Monday, with eligible recipients receiving the bonus on the same day they usually receive their primary payment.

The bonus represents a double-payment of the regular payment amount due to long-term recipients of social welfare and does not need to be applied for.

Some 1.5m recipients are in line for a bonus with eligible benefits including Farm Assist, the Rural Social Scheme, the State pension and Jobseeker’s Allowance.

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Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary welcomed the issuing of the bonuses as a “vital support, particularly for our senior citizens”.

“As always, I would encourage people, where possible, to shop locally in the run-up to Christmas this year,” he said.

“By shopping locally, you are supporting your local economy, your local community and your local small businesses.”