The Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has confirmed the welfare Christmas bonus will be paid on the week beginning November 28.

More than 1.2 million people will receive the extra money, which equals 85% of their normal weekly welfare payment when they collect that weekly payment.

Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar has confirmed he is working to ensure that the €5 welfare increase is paid as early as possible in March.

He said he will finalise when that is with his Cabinet colleagues next Tuesday.