The Tánaiste and Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has revealed plans for an increase in the Christmas bonus for social welfare recipients and pensioners.

Ms Burton says while they have limited funds, this is a priority. She has also denied it is a push for votes.

"It's actually about improving the well-being of pensioners, and giving them in particular some extra spending around Christmas time", she told Newstalk Breakfast.

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Writing in the Irish Independent, Ms Burton says the Christmas bonus will be brought up 50% - to €115 for a single pensioner and €220 for a couple.

And she told Breakfast the role of older people in the Irish recovery needs to be acknowledged.