Written Answers Nos. 1 - 40
12. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline a clear timeline for the abolition of the means test for carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31295/26]
View answerThe Government acknowledges the valuable role that family carers play and remains fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This is recognised in the Programme for Government.
The Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which my department provides income support to carers. Expenditure on Carer’s Allowance in 2026 is estimated to exceed €1.4 billion. At the end of March there were more than 106,000 carers receiving this payment.
The Programme for Government has set out a very clear timeline which commits to significantly increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget, with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of this Government.
This process is already underway. Last July the amount of weekly earnings disregarded was increased to €625 for a single person and €1,250 for a couple. As part of Budget 2026, I announced further changes to the Carer’s Allowance means test that will be introduced this July. The weekly income disregard will increase from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of couple.
Since June 2022, the single carer disregard has increased by €667.50 and the couple disregard by €1,335. These are significant increases.
The reforms in July will see more carers qualify for Carer’s Allowance. For example, a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €110,000 will retain their full Carer’s Allowance payment and even with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment. In addition, those recipients on a reduced payment due to means will see their payment increase.
The recent improvements outlined are evidence of the Government’s determination to deliver on its commitment to phase out the Carer's Allowance means test over the lifetime of the Government. We will continue to progress this commitment in light of the prevailing budgetary conditions.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
15. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current average processing times for disability allowance and carer’s allowance applications in Galway east; the steps being taken to address delays being experienced by applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31110/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made in a timely manner.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the average time to process a claim for Disability Allowance in March 2026 was 5 weeks. The average time to process a claim for Carer’s Allowance in March 2026 was 6 weeks.
Processing times and targets are reviewed annually, the target processing times for Carer’s Allowance for 2026 is 80% of claims within 10 weeks. The target for Disability Allowance was increased from 70% in 10 weeks to 80% in 10 weeks.
Both Carer’s Allowance and Disability Allowance are meeting these targets; for the period January to March 2026 an average of 83% of Carer’s Allowance claims are awarded within 10 weeks, while 89% of Disability Allowance claims are awarded within 10 weeks. Claims are processed centrally, and statistics on the location of the applicant are not maintained.
The processing time for individual claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information the person provides in support of their claim.
When determining someone’s suitability for Disability Allowance, evidence must be examined in respect of the applicant’s medical condition, the extent to which it restricts them from taking up employment, their means and their habitual residency.
Carer's allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
To assist the Department to make timely and fair decisions on applications, applicants should ensure that they complete the application form fully and attach all the supporting documentation required as per the checklist provided on the application form. It is particularly important that an applicant provides, at the outset, all the details they have in relation to their medical conditions to best support their claim.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
16. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection in light of the commitment to publish a new Roadmap for Social Inclusion (2026-2030) next month, if he will provide an update on the specific measurable outcomes and targets his Department has established to reduce core poverty rates among vulnerable groups, specifically pensioners and people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31287/26]
View answerThe Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 is the national strategy that aims to reduce consistent poverty and make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the European Union. The Roadmap has a particular focus on supporting groups most impacted by poverty and social exclusion and sets out 81 commitments from across Government to achieve this. Progress is monitored by a Steering Group that I chair, and my Department publishes an annual progress reports and report cards detailing the progress that has been made. A fifth and final progress report and report card will be published in 2026.
A successor strategy for the period 2026-2030 is being currently developed by my Department, with the support of other Departments, and is intended to be published later this quarter.
Recognising the multi-dimensional nature of poverty, the strategy will again be cross-Government, building on progress to date, outlining measurable actions aimed at reducing poverty and improving social inclusion, and acknowledging continued and new challenges.
These actions will span key areas such as income adequacy, employment, housing, health, education, transport and childcare and focus on groups most impacted by poverty, including, but not limited to, those groups referenced by the Deputy - disabled people and older people. The new strategy is also informed by an extensive consultation process and engagement with civil society organisations. One target that will be included in the new Strategy, is the Child Poverty target that the Government announced last September.
This target aims to reduce the consistent poverty rate for children to 3% by the end of 2030. Further details on targets and associated actions to deliver on the objective of the new Roadmap will be published as part of the overall Strategy, later this quarter.
17. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether consideration is being given to extending eligibility for domiciliary care allowance beyond the age of 16 for children who remain in full time secondary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31294/26]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance is a non means tested payment to a parent or guardian in respect of a child under 16 who has a severe disability and requires continual or continuous care and attention, substantially more than what is typically required by a child of the same age. Eligibility is not based on the disability or diagnosis, but on the impact of the disability in terms of the level of care and attention required by the child.
From January 2026, the rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance increased from €360 to €380 per month. This equates to a total increase of €70.50 since January 2022. More than 63,600 families are currently receiving Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of approximately 72,500 children. The estimated expenditure on the scheme in 2026 is almost €359 million.
Domiciliary Care Allowance ceases to be payable when a child reaches 16 years of age. If the young person continues to suffer from a disability that significantly impacts their daily living activities, they can then apply for a Disability Allowance payment in their own name of €254 per week and, in addition, if their parent or guardian continues to provide full-time care, they can apply to retain a carer's payment.
Disability Allowance is unique in the Social Welfare system in that it is the only adult payment with a qualifying age of 16 rather than 18. This has been criticised by many analysts and advocates as it entitles a young person, who may be vulnerable, to a significant weekly payment independent of their parents. It can also reduce work and education incentives. For this reason, one of the key proposals in the Green Paper on Disability Payments Reform published in September 2023 was to extend the upper age limit for Domiciliary Care Allowance to 18 years of age and, in parallel, increase the age limit for access to Disability Allowance to the same age. The Green Paper was a consultation document. Based on the feedback received during the public consultation, the process was discontinued.
Any future reform of Domiciliary Care Allowance, will be considered in the context of commitments set out in the Programme for Government and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
18. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Social Protection as part of the upcoming public consultation paper on pay-related parent's leave in Autumn 2026 to be led by his Department, if this will include specific consultation on other types of family leave and additional flexibilities such as the transferability of leave between parents, and extended leave for lone parents. [31456/26]
View answerParent’s Benefit provides nine weeks paid leave to parents during the first two years of a child’s life or following adoption. In reality, Parent’s Benefit is part of a suite of family leave which includes Maternity, Paternity, and Adoptive leaves, forming the core caregiving period for parents of new children. In total, parents are provided with up to 46 weeks of paid leave in the first two years of their child’s life or placement, in the case of adoption.
Parent’s Leave and Benefit were introduced in November 2019. Government has provided over €123m for the scheme in 2026.
The scheme provides each parent with nine weeks of non-transferrable leave to be taken within two years of the birth, or placement in the case of the adoption of a child. The nine weeks can be taken in any combination of minimum one week to a maximum of nine weeks leave.
The 2019 Act is in line with the EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers. It provides that the nine weeks leave is non-transferrable to promote the equal participation of men and women in the workplace and in caring role. The department statistics for Q4 2025 show that 40 % of applicants to Parent’s Benefit were men, and 60% were women.
My colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality has policy and legal responsibility for all family leaves, including matters relating to transferability of leave and its duration. My Department has policy and legal responsibility for the associated benefit.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing Pay-Related Parent's Benefit and exploring other payments where a similar model could be applied. A pay-related model was introduced on 31 March 2025 for Jobseeker’s Benefit. My Department will draw on the learnings and operational experience from that scheme to inform the development of options for Parent's Benefit and other family leave schemes. Any future changes in this area will be subject to a public consultation process.
It must be noted that while Ireland currently pays a flat rate for all family leave benefits, we also provide one of the most generous durations of Maternity Leave, with 26 paid weeks and 16 unpaid weeks available to new mothers.
I trust this clarifies matter for the Deputy.
19. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will equalise rates of jobseeker's allowance for young people so that age is no longer a factor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31415/26]
View answerAge-related rates apply to jobseekers aged 18 to 24 years in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance. Exemptions apply to those with dependent children; those who were previously in the care of Tusla or living independently; and those in receipt of state housing supports, such as the Housing Assistance Payment. Age-related rates do not apply to the PRSI-based schemes, Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit.
At the 31 March 2026, there are 12,176 people on the age related Jobseeker's Allowance rate of €163.70.
It is important to note that where a young jobseeker participates in any of the many education or training programmes or any of the available employment programmes, including for example CE and Tús their payment is uprated up to the maximum personal rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance of €254. If they participate on the Work Placement Experience Programme the weekly rate actually increases up to €369. There is ready availability of these places on all of these programmes. I believe this is a reasonable approach that encourages young unemployed people to engage with the State services that are available to them to improve their employment prospects.
Accordingly, my priority is to give young people the best possible chance to participate in the labour market rather than adjusting payment rates. Supporting young people to take up employment, education and training opportunities can enhance their employment prospects over time, as well as their ability to earn an adequate income to support themselves and their families into the future. I believe this is the correct approach to help improve the long-term prospects and wellbeing of young people.
My Department is currently working on the successor to the previous Pathways to Work strategy. As part of this strategy, I am determined to ensure that young people will continue to be prioritised through education, training and employment supports.
The current approach strikes the right balance in supporting young people into employment, and I have no plans to change the rates for young jobseekers at this time.
20. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on MyFutureFund, the automatic enrolment retirement savings system. [31106/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government contained a commitment to introduce the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System (AE). The aim of introducing AE is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland and to provide workers with greater comfort and security regarding their retirement income.
The new system - known as MyFutureFund - commenced on the 1st January 2026. All elements of the system are operating as planned. Since the 1st January, based on analysis of payroll data from the Revenue Commissioners, over 806,000 employees have been automatically enrolled in MyFutureFund. These employees work for approximately 109,000 employers. In addition, more than 7,200 employees have applied to join the scheme voluntarily.
Payroll instructions have issued to these employers to deduct contributions from employees' pay. Approximately €250 million of contributions has already been collected for investment with the three contracted investment managers.
Both the employer and participant website portals are fully functional. Since the 1st December, employers have been asked to register their company, contact and payment details with NAERSA on the employer portal so that the administrative burden for them and the management of the system is made as easy as possible. Most employers have done so which represents a very high level of compliance. Furthermore, it demonstrates the importance that employers place on MyFutureFund and their aspiration to do what is right for their employees, which I commend.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
21. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he is examining measures to simplify the application process for the emergency needs payment, including clearer eligibility criteria and reduced administrative requirements for people in crisis; when any improvements will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30629/26]
View answerThe Additional Needs Payment (ANP) is an overarching term for certain payments under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme to assist a person with once-off expenditure which, given the circumstances presenting, that they could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their own resources.
ANP's are demand led and administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) working across the Country in over 50 locations as part of the Community Welfare Service (CWS). In making decisions, CWOs act flexibly taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
It is not necessary for a person to meet with a CWO to make a clam. If a person is experiencing financial difficulties and requires an ANP, they can make an application for assistance online, via telephone, in person or by submitting a completed SWA1 form at any Intreo Centre or Branch office.
As part of the application process, a person is asked to provide personal, financial, household, and other information in support of their claim to quickly determine eligibility and to establish a need as considered necessary. To help my Department to make timely and fair decisions on all applications, applicants are requested to complete the application forms fully, providing all the supporting documentation required on the checklist provided.
To assist applicants CWO's are available in Intreo Centres nationwide during business hours Monday-Friday. A person can walk-in to any of these centres and a person with an urgent need can see a CWO without an appointment. If a person cannot attend an office a CWO can travel to meet them at an agreed location, including the person's own home. If necessary, CWOs have the ability to issue an immediate cheque payment for urgent cases presenting, without any delay.
My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. The application process is kept under review to ensure it is straightforward and that applications are processed for all payments as quickly as possible.
22. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide details on job losses and displacement linked to the introduction of artificial intelligence and automation technologies in Cork county; the sectors most affected to date; the targeted income, retraining and social protection supports that are in place or planned for workers whose employment is at risk as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31333/26]
View answerWhile statistics on jobs losses and displacement linked to the introduction of artificial intelligence and automation technologies in Cork are not available, my Department continues to monitor the impact of emerging technologies, and the exposure of certain sectors and demographics.
The latest volume of the Department of Finance’s Economic Insights series found preliminary data suggesting that AI may have influenced employment patterns in Ireland, as employment growth in ‘at risk’ sectors was weaker than that in less exposed sectors over the past two years.
However, the Department of Finance analysis states that it may be premature to attribute these employment adjustments solely to increased AI adoption in Ireland, as it is difficult to separate out its impact, if any, from other factors such as seasonal and cyclical effects and geopolitical developments. In this respect the current international economic uncertainty is likely to be playing a role in the employer recruitment decisions including with respect to graduate recruitment.
The analysis also pointed out that, to the extent that AI is impacting employment levels, its impact, if any, is currently related to hiring and entry rather than displacement of existing workers.
In the event of an increase in unemployment, my Department stands ready to support jobseekers with financial supports to avoid a ‘cliff edge’ in terms of income and employment services ensuring a smooth re-entry to work.
Jobseekers Pay-Related Benefit, which I introduced in 2025, is available to those who lose their job and meet the eligibility conditions. This scheme provides a maximum weekly payment of €450 which will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment.
When a person moves onto a jobseeker payment, the Intreo Employment Services team works with the individual, offering individualised, one-to-one support, focusing on what they need to assist them to re-enter the workforce.
Recognising the importance of upskilling and reskilling in situations of displacement, my Department provides a number of supports to encourage the uptake of educations and training for jobseekers. These may include:
• the Part Time Education Option (PTEO) which can allow jobseekers to pursue part-time education or training courses, and the Education Training and Development (ETD) option which allows jobseekers to attend short training and development courses while retaining their jobseeker’s payment.
• Jobseekers can avail of the Back to Education Allowance, which supports them in pursuing full-time further or higher education courses.
• If a lack of required skills or certifications poses barriers to accepting a job offer, the Training Support Grant of up to €1,000 per year provides access to immediate skills training or certification courses.
23. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has any plans to provide an online application process for further social welfare schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31105/26]
View answerMy Department is continuing to invest in the digitalisation of its schemes and services as it strives to meet the public service target of having 90% of applicable services online by 2030.
This investment has already seen the launch of online access via the MyGovID and MyWelfare.ie platforms the Department's main schemes and services. The full range of services can be found on www.MyWelfare.ie. Each month just under 500,000 users login in to MyWelfare to view contribution and payment statements, to book appointments and to make applications - about 340,000 applications are made online each month. These numbers reflect the very high levels of customer satisfaction with the Department's online services as reported in independent research - with satisfaction levels of in excess of 90%.
We also continue to expand the services offered including over the past two years online access to apply both for the State Pension Contributory and State Pension Non-Contributory schemes. In addition, online applications for Domiciliary Care Allowance, Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit, Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit, Invalidity Pension, the Accommodation Recognition Payment and Additional Needs Payments are now in place.
Other key milestones in the delivery of online services over this period include the provision of an online Birth Registration Service as well as an online Social Welfare Appeals service.
Currently work is progressing on the delivery of an online application service for Back to Education Allowance, for delivery in Q2 2026, and Disability Allowance in Q3 2026.
The digitalisation of my Department’s services is key to being able to provide choice to the public in how they engage with services, it is also important in supporting improved efficiency in service delivery. As has been outlined above, significant work has been done to ensure that a wide range of online services are available to the public.
It is my intention to continue to work on the expansion of online service delivery, increasing the variety of services online and thereby extend the choices available to the public.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
24. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on his engagement with the Minister for Health on the condition known as long-Covid, and its classification as an occupational illness for healthcare workers. [31239/26]
View answerIn November 2023, my Department published a report on the inclusion of long COVID in the Occupational Injuries Benefit Regulations.
The report concluded that COVID-19 does not satisfy the statutory criteria for recognition as an occupational illness or accident at work. Specifically, it found that presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable as it is not possible to establish with confidence that the disease has been contracted through a person’s occupation and not through community transmission. This is because data shows that community transmission was the primary means of transmission.
However, my Department's range of income supports, including Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension - which are not dependent on the definition of a condition as being an occupational illness, and which are payable at the same or higher rates of payment as Occupational Injuries Benefit - are available to people who cannot work due to the effects of long COVID. Accordingly there is little, if any, benefit to the people concerned from having long-COVID defined as an occupational illness in social welfare legislation.
It is also important to note we do not assess a person's entitlement, or differentiate between claimants, based on the type of illness or disability with which they present. Instead entitlement is based on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts their capacity to work. This approach which is used with other chronic or extended duration illnesses, also applies in respect of claims relating to long COVID.
With specific reference to workers in the health services, the Department's report found that the Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees was the appropriate channel through which a targeted sectoral support should be considered. This Temporary Scheme was a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, who extended it a number of times. The Scheme ended on 31 December 2025. Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell after that date may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.
As previously indicated, I recently met with the Minister for Health to outline the position above, and our respective departments will continue to engage on this matter.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
25. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of providing an emergency €200 energy payment to all households in receipt of the fuel allowance or household benefits package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31309/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs through a combination of financial supports, energy efficiency awareness initiatives and investment in programmes to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock.
The estimated cost of providing an emergency €200 energy payment to all households in receipt of the fuel allowance or household benefits package is €151.12 million. This is based on one emergency €200 energy payment per household.
As part of the Governments €250m targeted supports in March, I was delighted to announce the extension of the expansion of the Fuel Allowance season, by four weeks. This support directly targets pensioners, people with disabilities, lone parents, low paid working families and the long-term unemployed and will help these recipient with high energy prices.
The additional four weeks Fuel Allowance payment provides an additional €152 to households that need the most support. The four-week extension of the Fuel Allowance season will mean the yearly payment will increase to €1,216 in 2026.
Budget 2026 also provided significant supports to help householders with the cost of heating and other energy bills. The Fuel Allowance was increased by €5 to €38 per week. That is a 15% increase, which will support over 468,000 households requiring Government support with energy costs. This is on top of a €10 per week increase in the core payment rates (4.1% for most schemes).
Importantly, from a child poverty perspective, eligibility for Fuel Allowance has recently been extended to almost 50,000 families in receipt of Working Family Payment.
The Government will continue to monitor the cost-of-living situation closely. However, the provision of any additional supports such as further expanding the Fuel Allowance season would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
26. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people expected to receive the carer's support grant this year. [31086/26]
View answerThe estimated number of Carer's Support Grant payments to be made in 2026 is 163,000.
27. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will introduce a scheme to provide bikes free of charge for people in receipt of social protection payments and State pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31413/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question. My Department provides over 140 schemes and supports to people who are in receipt of a social protection payment. These supports provide an extensive system of social transfers that is consistently one of the most effective social protection systems in the EU at reducing the at risk of poverty rate.
The social protection schemes provided by my Department provide income support to people who face certain contingencies. For instance an individual who loses their job can subject to satisfying the scheme conditions receive a jobseeker payment, an individual who is disabled can subject to satisfying the schemes conditions receive disability allowance and an individual who reaches pension age can receive a State Pension.
The provision of income supports to those who face these contingencies is the key element of our system of social protection. In addition to primary weekly payments, secondary payments are available to individuals who satisfy other scheme rules, such as the Living Alone Allowance and the Fuel Allowance scheme.
This year my Department will spend €28.9 billion in supporting people throughout the country. This investment, is delivered through the provision of income supports and each week my Department pays over 1 million primary social protection recipients. This excludes Child Benefit and any beneficiary (qualified adult or children) linked to the primary recipient's payment.
Given the scale of the payments issued by my Department, I do not envisage a situation where my Department would prioritise the provision of certain goods such as bikes to social protection recipients. Rather my preference would be ensuring that such significant investment would be used to increase social protection weekly rates of payment in future budgets.
28. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of domiciliary care allowance applications received, approved and refused in Kildare north in the past three years; the number subsequently approved on appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31274/26]
View answerFigures for claims processing are not available on a county by county basis. The national figures for Domiciliary Care Allowance applications registered, awarded, and rejected are shown below. Note that there is a delay between a claim being registered and receiving a decision. Therefore, a claim registered in one year may not be awarded or rejected until the following year.
|
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Claims Registered |
12,290 |
13,270 |
15,588 |
|
Claims Awarded |
8,301 |
8,961 |
9,696 |
|
Claims Rejected |
4,079 |
4,554 |
5,167 |
The number of appeals decided and the number of appeals which received a successful outcome for Domiciliary Care Allowance are shown below. Note that an appeal can be decided in one of two ways. When the appeal is first received by the Appeals Office, it is sent to the relevant scheme area in the department for a review. If the scheme area decides to issue a revised decision with a positive outcome for the customer then the appeal is successful and the appeal is resolved. If the original decision is upheld by the scheme area, then the appeal is sent back to the Appeals Office for a decision by an Appeals Officer. The Appeals Office can then allow, partially allow, or disallow the appeal.
Note there can be multiple reasons for an appeal, apart from a claim being rejected, such as backdating of a claim. Therefore not all appeals shown here are for rejection of a claim. It is not possible to break down the figures by reason for the appeal. Please also note that the years below refer to the year of the appeal decision which may be different to the year of the initial decision.
|
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Appeals Decided |
2,028 |
2,299 |
4,102 |
|
Appeals with Revised Decision by Scheme Area |
407 |
832 |
1,475 |
|
Appeals Allowed |
862 |
792 |
1,551 |
|
Appeals Partially Allowed |
54 |
29 |
16 |
29. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe in which he expects to complete a review of means testing in the social protection system. [30069/26]
View answer66. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to carry out a comprehensive review of means tests across the social welfare system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31289/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 66 together.
My Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system. The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to their respective means tests. With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task.
It is my intention that the review's findings will inform decisions regarding potential changes to means testing in future Budgets.
The review is nearing completion and I expect that it will be submitted to me shortly. Due to the complexity of the review, I will carefully and thoroughly evaluate it to determine the best way to utilise its findings and identify those that may warrant further consideration. However, any prospective changes to means testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the broader context of overall policy and budgetary considerations and over the lifetime of this Government.
30. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is considering reintroducing cost-of-living payments like those in previous Budgets as a matter of emergency to help people with cost of living increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31268/26]
View answerThe Government is fully aware of the challenges facing individuals and families and has consistently ensured that core social welfare rates have increased at or above the rate of inflation. For example, core rates increased by about 20% over the period between 2021 and 2025-more than the rate of inflation of about 18.5% over the same period. The increase of 4.1% on most payments, announced in Budget 2026, exceeded the increase in consumer prices reported by the CSO, of 3.2% over the 12 months to November 2025.
The Government is conscious of renewed global uncertainty, including recent geopolitical developments and conflict in the Middle East, which have contributed to volatility in energy markets and upward pressure on fuel costs. These developments have the potential to impact household budgets and the situation is being kept under close review.
This year, the Government will invest €28.9 billion in social protection measures. This includes more than €1.15 billion in new measures, comprised of an above-inflation increase of €10 per week in core rates and a range of significant targeted supports, including €320 million in measures aimed at alleviating child poverty.
The Budget package also provides significant supports to help householders with the cost of heating and other energy bills. The Fuel Allowance increased by €5 per week, or 15% - nearly three times the rate of inflation - and, for the first time, families receiving the Working Family Payment will qualify for the Fuel Allowance. In addition, people moving from Disability Allowance or the Blind Pension to take up work will retain their Fuel Allowance for five years.
These continuing, targeted measures, rather than once-off increases, provider greater certainty for recipients and ensure that supports are focused where they are most needed. While I do not propose to bring forward one-off payments for consideration at this point, I will continue to closely monitor cost-of-living pressures, including those arising from international developments.
31. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the public consultation on the cost of disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31088/26]
View answer62. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection when he will introduce a cost of disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30006/26]
View answer73. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures currently being taken by his Department to address the real and increasing cost of disability for individuals and families; whether a timeline can be provided for the introduction of targeted financial supports including any plans to expand or reform the cost of disability payment; the way his Department is ensuring that supports are aligned across key life stages from early years through to adulthood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29140/26]
View answer77. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the progress that has been made toward a permanent cost of disability payment; the work that has been undertaken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31304/26]
View answer85. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Social Protection if he expects to introduce a cost of disability payment in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31306/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 62, 73, 77 and 85 together.
Supporting disabled people is a key priority for this Government. That is why the Programme for Government includes a number of commitments to improve the position of disabled people including a commitment to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment.
Under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input from Disability groups and advocates, it was agreed to establish a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability. While it is led by my Department, it includes other Government departments in this cross-government endeavour, as well as disabled people and their advocates.
Officials in my Department have held meetings with a number of organisations, including Disabled Persons Organisations, to discuss the possible structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network Summit as well as the possible form of a cost of disability payment.
A public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered was launched on February 20th and ran for just over six weeks until Tuesday 7 April.
A full range of accessible formats was available to support public participation in the process. These include an Irish Sign Language video, an Easy-to-Read document, a screen-reader friendly Word version, and Braille. Submissions were accepted in writing by email and by post. Submissions could also be made by phone and video submissions including ISL video. The consultation was also promoted with accessible social media, radio, and printed media ads.
I am very pleased that there was an exceptional response with over 1,000 submissions received. 87 submissions were from groups and organisations, with 12 from Disabled Persons’ Organisations and Disabled Persons’ Representative Organisations. Accessible ways to partake were widely used, with almost 60 submissions made over the phone, while 20 were received by post. Seven video submissions were also received. I want to thank all the contributors for taking the time to make a submission and for sharing their valuable insights with us.
The submissions have helped inform the agenda for the Summit which I will be hosting in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May 2026. It is an in-person event with online access also available.
The Strategic Focus Network Summit and the submissions made through the consultation process will help inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. This whole of government approach is important as addressing these costs is not simply a matter of income supports alone. Improvements in the delivery of, and access to key services is also needed.
Following the Summit, a briefing paper will be produced outlining the key learnings and any tangible outcomes which will support how the whole of Government delivers in this area going forward and inform the future Action Plans under the strategy. The paper will also feed into the Budget 2027 process.
In terms of actions taken to assist people with costs, from January 2026, the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance was increased by €5 a week to €38, giving a total per recipient of €1,064 each year. This supports some 470,000 households with their energy costs. Conscious that people are worried about the cost of home heating, Government recently approved the extension of the 2025/26 fuel allowance season by four weeks until the week ending 1st May 2026, to help those most vulnerable with their fuel costs.
For any person or family having genuine difficulty heating their home, Additional Needs Payments under the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which an applicant is unable to meet out of their own resources. In addition, under the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, a special Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have special heating needs (e.g. in the case of ill health, infirmity or a medical condition).
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
32. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people currently recorded as long-term unemployed; the measures in place to support their return to sustainable and secure employment, and the further actions to reduce long-term unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30764/26]
View answerAccording to the latest CSO figures, there were 36,200 people recorded as long-term unemployed in Q4 2025. My Department supports long-term unemployed jobseekers to enter employment through a number of programmes and supports.
My Department, through its Intreo network and employment services staff, engages intensively with young jobseekers, supporting and profiling them on their likelihood of entering employment. Those deemed at higher risk of becoming long-term unemployed benefit from more frequent engagement with their Employment Personal Advisor/Job Coach. This approach seeks to minimise younger jobseekers from falling into long-term unemployment in the first place. The Employment and Youth Engagement Charter, published in 2024, has signed up over 300 employers to date. Employers who sign up pledge to support young jobseekers by offering them employment, training, CV help, mentorship and more.
The Work Placement Experience Programme aims to break the cycle of "no work, no experience" faced by many jobseekers, and prevent scarring effects of long-term detachment from the labour market. Participants on the Programme partake in 30 hours of work experience per week in a host organisation for 6 months and are expected to complete 60 hours of training over the same period.
Community Employment (CE) and Tús schemes are employment support programmes operated by the Department, providing work experience and training opportunities for disadvantaged and long-term unemployed people in their communities. The schemes provide vital work for local community organisations and promote social inclusion for distant labour market cohorts. In rural communities across the country, the Rural Social Scheme provides supplementary income to low-income farmers and fishers and valuable services to local communities.
My Department recognises the important role employers play in supporting the long-term unemployed. The JobsPlus recruitment subsidy is a payment of up €7,500 or €10,000 made to employers who hire a jobseeker from the Live Register. The higher rate of the payment is available to employers hiring a jobseeker in receipt of a payment for at least 24 months.
My Department is developing the successor Pathways to Work strategy, due for publication later this year. Pathways to Work 2026-2030 will strengthen efforts to support the long-term unemployed among other distant labour market groups. It will recognise the challenges and opportunities posed by digitalisation and decarbonisation to the economy and labour market. These transformations of the labour market will involve cutting edge sectors currently facing labour shortages, and drawing on the potential of the labour force through upskilling and reskilling.
33. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for a new employment strategy focused on intensive engagement and supports to help those most distant from the labour market into the workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31409/26]
View answer74. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the review of the pathways to work scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30725/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 74 together.
My Department continues work to develop the successor Pathways to Work 2026-2030 Strategy, and publish the final annual review of the previous strategy. The new Strategy is due to be published later this year.
Last year my Department conducted a wide-ranging public consultation process as part of the development of the new Pathways to Work. The consultation process sought written public submissions and survey responses, and over 430 submissions were received. 5 regional stakeholder workshops were held in Dublin, Athlone, Galway, Cork and Letterkenny in September 2025.
The workshops were a platform for individuals, employers and community and voluntary groups to provide input on challenges and opportunities in employment policy. Over 110 organisations were represented at these workshops. My Department also undertook intensive engagement with other Government Departments and agencies to ensure alignment across Government and to explore areas for co-operation such as skills development.
The Labour Market Advisory Council (LMAC), which gathers trade union, employer, government and civil society representatives, provides oversight of the strategy and its implementation on an annual basis. It will provide input on the draft successor strategy. In 2023 the Council conducted a Mid-Term Review of the Pathways to Work, which was informed by an analysis of labour market trends, a public consultation process and engagement with relevant Government Departments and agencies.
The LMAC in its review recognised that the labour market and economy had undergone significant transformation since the launch of Pathways to Work in 2021. The review noted that the strong labour market recovery experienced since the re-opening of the economy and historically high employment rates required an updated response.
On foot of the review, an updated Pathways to Work strategy was published in May 2024, with 65 commitments and 28 KPIs to be delivered through the end of the strategy period. The LMAC will publish the fourth and final annual report of the previous Pathways to Work strategy this summer, which ran from 2021-2025.
34. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps his Department is taking to combat current high levels of youth unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22100/26]
View answerAccording to the latest CSO figures, youth unemployment stood at 9.8% in Q4 2025, down from 9.9% from the same period in 2024. The seasonally adjusted monthly youth unemployment estimate for March is 12.5 percent. However, these figures are subject to revision upon release of the Q1 Labour Force Survey. The rate of those Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) stood at 6.3%, among the lowest in Europe.
My Department provides numerous supports and initiatives to combat youth unemployment, through its Intreo network and employment services teams. Under the EU’s Youth Guarantee, young people under 30 should receive a quality offer of employment education apprenticeship or training. Young jobseekers profiled as at greater risk of long-term unemployment benefit from more frequent engagement with Job Coaches and Employment Personal Advisors (EPAs).
Young people benefit from reduced eligibility requirements for a number of employment support schemes. JobsPlus, a recruitment subsidy for employers of up to €10,000 to hire an unemployed person, is co-funded by the EU for jobseekers under 30. Under-30s need only be in receipt of a qualifying payment for 4 months to become eligible for the standard rate of JobsPlus.
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) was designed to support jobseekers and break the cycle of “no work, no experience” by providing 6-month work placements of 30 hours per week. Participants gain valuable on-the-job experience and complete 60 hours of training, including 20 hours of accredited or sector-specific training. This keeps young jobseekers close to the labour market and aims to prevent scarring effects from long-term unemployment. Under-30s also require only 4 months in receipt of a qualifying payment before becoming eligible for WPEP.
My Department works closely with employers to support the hiring of young jobseekers and promotes the uptake of supports like JobsPlus and the JobsIreland vacancy platform.
In addition, the Employment and Youth Engagement Charter was launched by the Department in 2024. Employers who sign up to the Charter pledge to support young jobseekers by taking part in activities such as mentoring, CV assistance, or attending information sessions on hiring young jobseekers through Intreo. To date, over 300 employers have signed up to the Charter.
My Department is currently drafting the successor strategy to Pathways to Work, the national employment services strategy. The strategy will be informed by the wide-ranging public consultation process held last year that involved civil society groups, employers, and unions, and individual young jobseekers. The strategy will recognise the labour market challenges facing certain cohorts, including young people, despite positive employment developments. It will focus on ensuring those facing additional barriers to work are supported to find and sustain quality employment. It is expected to be published in Quarter 2 of this year.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
35. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection in light of Louth County Council’s decision to pause housing grant applications from 1 May 2026, whether there is a Department of Social Protection scheme available for people whose oil or gas boilers have irretrievably broken, where they cannot afford to pay for a retrofit through SEAI, and do not have the means to pay for a new boiler; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31233/26]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
However, Additional Needs Payments are not generally intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency.
Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, including the need presented and available resources, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
36. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on phasing out the means test for the carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31305/26]
View answerThe Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which my Department provides income support to carers. Expenditure on Carer’s Allowance in 2026 is estimated to exceed €1.4 billion. At the end of March there were more than 106,000 carers receiving this payment.
The Programme for Government has set out a timeline which commits to significantly increasing the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget, with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of this Government.
This process is already underway. Last July the amount of weekly earnings disregarded was increased to €625 for a single person and €1,250 for a couple. As part of Budget 2026, I announced further changes to the Carer’s Allowance means test that will be introduced this July. The weekly income disregard will increase from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of couple.
Since June 2022, there have been cumulative increases to the disregards of over 200%. The single carer disregard has increased by €667.50 and the couple disregard by €1,335. These are significant increases.
The reforms in July will see more carers qualify for Carer’s Allowance. For example, a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €110,000 will retain their full Carer’s Allowance payment and even with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment. In addition, those recipients on a reduced payment due to means will see their payment increase.
The recent improvements outlined are evidence of the Government’s determination to deliver on its commitment to phase out the Carer's Allowance means test over the lifetime of the Government. We will continue to progress this commitment in light of the prevailing budgetary conditions.
37. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, consideration is being given to a further extension of the fuel allowance season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31311/26]
View answer76. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has any plans to further extend the fuel allowance season this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31093/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 76 together.
The Government is committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs through a combination of financial supports, energy efficiency awareness initiatives and investment in programmes to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock.
As part of the Governments €250m targeted supports in March, I was delighted to announce the extension of the expansion of the Fuel Allowance season, by four weeks. This support directly targets pensioners, people with disabilities, lone parents, low paid working families and the long-term unemployed and will help these recipient with high energy prices.
The additional 4 weeks Fuel Allowance payment provides an additional €152 to households that need the most support. The four-week extension of the Fuel Allowance season will mean the yearly payment will increase to €1,216 in 2026.
Budget 2026 also provided significant supports to help householders with the cost of heating and other energy bills. The Fuel Allowance was increased by €5 to €38 per week. That is a 15% increase, which will support over 468,000 households requiring Government support with energy costs. This is on top of a €10 per week increase in the core payment rates (4.1% for most schemes).
Importantly, from a child poverty perspective, eligibility for Fuel Allowance has recently been extended to almost 50,000 families in receipt of Working Family Payment.
The Government will continue to monitor the cost-of-living situation closely. However, the provision of any additional supports such as further expanding the Fuel Allowance season would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
38. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is planning to introduce any emergency measures to help people with disabilities and their carers to cope with increasing costs of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31267/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people and their carers can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people and their carers by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people and their carers which will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
In Budget 2026, I provided for a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures. This contained significant targeted measures to support disabled people and their carers including increases to personal rates of payment and the Fuel Allowance and increasing disregards for the Carers Allowance.
In addition, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input from Disability groups and advocates, it was agreed to establish a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability. While it is led by my Department, it includes other Government departments in this cross-government endeavour, as well as disabled people and their advocates.
A public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered was launched on Friday, 20 February 20th and ran for just over six weeks until Tuesday 7 April.
I am very pleased that there was an exceptional response with over 1,000 submissions received. 87 submissions were from groups and organisations, with 12 from Disabled Persons’ Organisations and Disabled Persons’ Representative Organisations.
The submissions have helped inform the agenda for the Summit which I will be hosting in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May 2026. It is an in-person event with online access also available.
The Strategic Focus Network Summit and the submissions made through the consultation process will help inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. This whole of government approach is important as addressing these costs is not simply a matter of income supports alone. Improvements in the delivery of, and access to key services is also needed.
Following the Summit, a briefing paper will be produced outlining the key learnings and any tangible outcomes which will support how the whole of Government delivers in this area going forward and inform the future Action Plans under the strategy. The paper will also feed into the Budget 2027 process.
We also know that many people and families, including disabled people and their families, are facing higher energy costs at the moment as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. That is why we recently announced a €250 million energy relief package.
As part of this package, the Fuel Allowance season was extended by an additional four weeks. This means that the 470,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, which include many carers and disabled people, will receive additional financial support of €38 per week until May 1st, totaling €152.
For anyone who needs immediate assistance, the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is available to them now. Under the scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Furthermore, under the scheme, a Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income. Heating Supplement is not restricted to the fuel season and can be paid throughout the full year.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment or a Heating Supplement is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
39. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if he plans to make any changes to the work and access scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31084/26]
View answer46. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people currently supported under the work and access programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31083/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 46 together.
My Department published a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme in August 2023. Arising from this, the two schemes were merged to form Work and Access: a single, flexible scheme, which expanded and improved the in-work supports available.
Work and Access offers seven supports to help reduce or remove barriers in the workplace for disabled people. The supports include funding for a workplace needs assessment, workplace adaptations and communication/ Irish Sign Language support.
Work and Access is open to all non-public sector employers, including the self-employed and people working in the community and voluntary sector. Supports are available for both business premises and remote workplaces.
Since its launch in 2024, 388 customers and employers have applied for 668 supports. Some 130 grants have been paid out this year so far.
My Department has been reviewing the scheme guidelines and I am pleased that revised operational guidelines and application forms have been published this week. The guidelines have been shortened and we hope that applicants will find them easier to navigate and understand.
The application procedure for Communication Support/Irish Sign Language interpreting has been simplified following input from a Deaf Disabled Persons Organisation. Eligibility for 90% funding for Disability Equality and Inclusion Training has been extended. Applications for Workplace Needs Assessments and In-Work Support will be made by employers from now on to reduce the administrative burden on disabled customers and the process has been simplified.
The application forms have also been updated to simplify the process of applying for the scheme.
The changes have been made in response to feedback from employers and disabled people.
The updated web pages and operational guidelines can be viewed on Gov.ie.
I hope the revised guidelines and forms will increase the uptake of the scheme and that applicants will find the process more user friendly.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
40. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on his plans for making social protection supports more accessible to victims fleeing domestic violence. [31090/26]
View answerTackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for the Government. The Programme for Government includes a number of commitments in this regard. Establishing a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence is essential for safeguarding individuals and promoting a safer society.
While many of the Programme for Government commitments fall within the remit the Minister for Justice and other Ministers, this is an issue that requires a whole of Government approach. For that reason, the Programme for Government included a commitment to “examine how the social protection system can better support people fleeing domestic violence.”
My Department already has provisions in place in the Rent Supplement Scheme to assist those fleeing domestic violence. In such circumstances the Rent Supplement means test does not apply for an initial three-month period. Access to this support is instead via a fast-track approval process to assist with immediate accommodation needs.
Building on this initiative, officials in my Department have been engaging with stakeholders exploring options as to how we can best support the travel needs of people fleeing domestic violence. As a result, I am pleased to introduce a new Travel Supplement protocol for victims of domestic violence. This will ensure that those fleeing domestic violence have the necessary financial support to meet their immediate travel needs.
Mirroring the rent supplement scheme approach, my Department will provide a travel supplement to those fleeing domestic violence without the need for a means test during the first three months. After the first three months have passed, a person may be provided with a further three-month extension of the Travel Supplement; subject to the usual means assessment. This new supplement will be available from Tuesday the 5th of May.
My Department will continue to prioritise this area of its work, and will continue to engage with stakeholders and take on board lessons from other jurisdictions, to deliver on this very important commitment.
