SOME 159,100 people, including pensioners, carers, lone parents and people with disabilities will receive a Christmas Bonus payment in Cork.

Nationally, the payment will benefit some 1.5million people and represents a total investment of €370 million being issued from this week.

People will receive their Christmas Bonus on the same day that they usually receive their primary payment.

Cork Fine Gael TD Colm Burke said: ‘These payments recognise the contributions of people to Irish societies and our communities in Cork.

They come at a time when many households are under pressure, and this support will enable them to have a little more breathing room.

‘By using this bonus payment to support local shops and businesses people will be helping themselves andstrengthening communities.’