Expenditure on social security benefits rose by 13.1%during the first six months of 2008, driven mainly by outlays on pensions in respect of retirement, contributory bonuses and children's allowances.This was revealed in figures published on Monday by the National Statistics Office. Total expenditure on social security benefits during the first six months this year amounted to €332.1 million, an increase of €38.5 million compared to the same period last year. ...