Louis O'Hara
Question:17. 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. [44952/26]
View answerDepartmental Policies
Questions (17)
Written answers
Supporting disabled people is a key priority for me and for the Government. We recognise the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and are committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments, including a commitment to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability payment. It is also why, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, includes a commitment to a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability.
I hosted the Summit in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May 2026. It was attended by many people with disabilities, Disability Person Organisations and other advocacy groups as well as representatives of many Government Departments and members of the Oireachtas.
Senior Government Ministers were also in attendance including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, the Minister of State for Disability and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport. I spent the day engaging with attendees and I am very much aware of their personal experiences and the changes they would like to see.
This attendance indicates that while the work on the cost of disability has been led by my Department, the delivery of a solution will involve a range of Departments and agencies. 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 are also needed.
Ahead of the Summit I ran a public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered. Over 1,100 submissions were received.
We will continue to engage with disabled people and their advocates, including at the Department’s Pre-Budget Forum on 1 July.
The lessons from our consultations and the Summit will inform our next steps including the measures that may be taken as part of Budget 2027.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Questions (18)
Edward Timmins
Question:18. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the contributory pension entitlement for women who, due to extended periods out of employment to care for children and family, have less than 520 contributions; if he will consider a pro rata contributory pension to recognise their caring role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46265/26]
View answerWritten answers
The State Pension (Contributory) is funded from the Social Insurance Fund through the social insurance contributions paid by workers and employers. The rate of payment reflects the number of social insurance contributions paid over a working life. To qualify for this payment a person requires 520 (equivalent to 10 years) paid contributions.
The current State Pension (Contributory) system gives significant recognition and support to those whose work history includes extended periods outside of paid employment, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role. Up to 20 years of HomeCaring Periods can be awarded in respect of time spent raising children or caring for family, provided an applicant has the necessary 520 paid contributions to qualify for the payment.
In addition, Long-Term Carers Contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person for a period of 20 years or more. These contributions are treated the same as paid contributions for State Pension (Contributory) entitlement. This means women who were unable to work on a long-term basis due to caring for incapacitated dependents can qualify for the State Pension (Contributory) without having paid at least 520 contributions.
For those who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record, the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) is available.
Finally, where a person's spouse or partner is in receipt of a State Pension (Contributory), they can also apply for an increase for a Qualified Adult, amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory). Entitlement to this increase is be based on the Qualified Adult's means.
The combination of these measures means that no person with a viable income need falls outside these schemes.
The previous Government established a Commission on Pensions to review the State Pension system and make recommendations for its future. The Commission strongly supported the retention of the qualifying criterion of 520 paid contributions. There are currently no plans to change this qualifying condition.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Policies
Questions (19)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:19. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has given consideration to review and/or increase supports for self-employed people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46284/26]
View answerWritten answers
Supporting disabled people is a key priority. Many of my Department’s disability-related schemes have been structured to support recipients to pursue employment opportunities, be that self-employment or insurable employment.
A person in receipt of Disability Allowance or Blind Pension who pursues employment or self-employment can avail of an income disregard of €165 per week. As a result, a person can earn up to €527.20 a week and keep a portion of their payment and retain their Department of Social Protection secondary benefits.
The Partial Capacity Benefit scheme allows a person who is in receipt of Invalidity Pension or those on Illness Benefit for more than six months to enter or return to employment or self-employment and continue to receive a partial or full payment. Partial Capacity Benefit has also been designed so that there are no restrictions or limits on earnings or on the number of hours a person can work.
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme has been designed to support persons, including disabled people, to take up self-employment opportunities. It allows a person to retain 100% of their payment in year one and 75% in year two, including any increases for a qualified adult, or a child support payment. A person may also be able to avail of the Enterprise Support Grant, up to €2,500.
The Work and Access scheme offers seven supports to reduce barriers to the workplace. These supports include work coaches, workplace adaptation, equipment, and training. These supports have been approved in recent years and are now available to the self-employed, employers and employees for both remote and business premises.
The Programme for Government commits to work with employers and across Government to improve employment of people with disabilities and ensure that supports for entrepreneurs and enterprise are accessible to all, including disabled people.
In addition, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment lead on the Employment Pillar of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. It includes a range of commitments to support disabled people to take up and retain work.
We have a joint commitment to develop a communications campaign to raise awareness surrounding all the employment supports available for disabled people. This is being developed by officials in both Departments.
The Strategy includes a commitment for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to promote inclusion and accessibility in entrepreneurship through the Local Enterprise Offices.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Policies
Questions (20)
Michael Murphy
Question:20. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection whether consideration has been given to introducing additional age-related social welfare supports for persons aged over 80 years and over 90 years, in recognition of increased heating, healthcare and independent living costs associated with advanced age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41553/26]
View answerWritten answers
Since 2021, the State Pension (Contributory) has increased by €51 per week, to €299.30. This shows continued commitment to supporting older people and this will remain a priority for Government.
The over 80 allowance, which is an increase of €10 per week on the State pension rate, is automatically awarded to qualified pensioners on attaining 80 years of age. At the end of May 2026, 212,080 people were in receipt of this payment.
In addition, my Department also provides a range of other payments which help to support older people:
• A pensioner who is living alone can receive the Living-Alone Increase of €22 in addition to their primary social welfare payment.
• The Free Travel Scheme is available to all people aged over 66 years permanently residing in the State.
• The Household Benefits Package is a supplementary monthly payment of €35 to assist with the cost of electricity or gas bills, and also includes a TV licence.
• The Fuel Allowance is a weekly payment of €38 to help with the heating costs during the winter months.
• The Telephone Support Allowance is payable when a person is in receipt of a qualifying payment, the Living Alone Increase, the Fuel Allowance.
• The Island Allowance is a weekly social welfare increase of €20 for residents of certain Irish islands to offset extra living costs.
• The combined effect of these payments, which are subject to various qualification criteria, are designed to support those older people who need assistance meeting their costs-of-living. Any change to the rate payable for the over 80 allowance or the introduction of a further payment for those aged over 90 would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context, including possible increases to primary rates and other supports available.
• I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (21)
Paula Butterly
Question:21. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the adequacy of supports available to individuals who pay PRSI, whether employed or self-employed, who find themselves out of work due to circumstances such as illness, bereavement and injury and to students who are engaged in employment, given concerns that many such individuals are not eligible for supplementary welfare allowance due to the means test criteria, leaving them without timely access to appropriate State supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46300/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Insurance Fund derives income from social insurance contributions paid by employees, their employers, self-employed persons and voluntary contributions.
For these contributions, employees and self-employed workers receive benefits for the periods spent out of employment. Contributions made can therefore be differentiated from taxation in that those who participate do so in the knowledge that once the contributions and any other scheme specific requirements are satisfied, they will benefit from their contribution in the event of certain contingencies arising during their working life (e.g. unemployment, illness, maternity) and thereafter upon retirement from the work force.
Most employed workers pay social insurance under PRSI class A. The entry threshold for class A is low. Employees with earnings of €38 or more per week are liable for PRSI class A contributions. Such contributions entitle employees to all of the social insurance benefits available. These are:
• Adoptive Benefit
• Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds
• Carer's Benefit
• Guardian's Payment Contributory
• Health and Safety Benefit
• Illness Benefit
• Invalidity Pension
• Jobseeker's Benefit
• Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit
• Maternity Benefit
• Occupational Injuries Benefit
• Parent's Benefit
• Partial Capacity Benefit
• Paternity Benefit
• State Pension (Contributory)
• Treatment Benefit
• Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension
Self-Employed workers entry threshold under PRSI class S is also quite low. Such workers with an annual income of €5,000 or more are liable for PRSI class S contributions. Such contributions entitles the self-employed to most of the social insurance benefits available. The only benefits that are not available to the self-employed are Illness Benefit, Occupational Injuries Benefit and Health and Safety Benefit.
The Programme for Government includes an action to explore the option of giving self-employed workers access to Illness Benefit by means of making a higher PRSI contribution. My Department has commenced work in this regard and this proposal will be progressed over the lifetime of the Government.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
The Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.
It is a means tested payment and takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property - other than the family home - and capital. It does not take account of a person’s expenditure.
A number of client categories are specifically excluded in legislation from receiving the Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance. These include people in full-time work and people in full-time education. While Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance is not normally paid to full time students, my department may make an Additional Needs Payment to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
The decision process for Additional Needs Payments involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Alternative sources of support availed of by the person, including other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.
I am satisfied at the adequacy of the current level of supports available. Any changes to the level of supports will need to considered in an overall policy and budgetary context with a view to the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (22, 28, 36, 73)
Tom Brabazon
Question:22. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the progress his Department is making in relation to the phasing out of the means test for carer's allowance as committed to in the Programme for Government. [46036/26]
View answer
Peadar Tóibín
Question:28. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will commit to fully abolishing the restrictive means test for carer’s allowance. [46328/26]
View answer
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:36. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will make progress on his commitment to abolish the means-test for carers in the next Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46172/26]
View answer
Brian Stanley
Question:73. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection when his Department will publish a concrete roadmap and timeline for the complete abolition of a means test, given the recent income increase in family carers allowance thousands of family carers are still facing complex financial issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46152/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 28, 36 and 73 together.
The Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which the Department provides income support to carers. There are currently just under 108,000 carers receiving this payment at a cost of over €1.4 billion this year.
The Programme for Government has set out a timeframe, 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 improvements to the Carer’s Allowance means test that will be introduced next month. From the 2nd of July 2026, the weekly income disregard will increase by 60% from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of couple.
The changes next month will be the largest ever increases in the income disregards. The impact of the increases will mean that those recipients on a reduced payment due to means will see their payment increase.
In addition, more carers will qualify for Carer’s Allowance, even those in households that are regarded as having relatively high incomes. 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 with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment.
Removing the means test is a significant shift in policy direction and there may be further implications above the cost exposure. For this reason the income disregard is being abolished in a measured way over a number of Budgets, having regard to the prevailing budgetary conditions.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (23)
Eoin Hayes
Question:23. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the review carried out in his Department on the system of means tests for carer supports; if he will lay the report before the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46267/26]
View answerWritten answers
As part of Budget 2024, an Interdepartmental Working Group was established with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to examine and review the entire system of means test for carers payments. The Group was chaired by the Department of Social Protection.
The Interdepartmental Working Group has concluded its work, and the report from the group has been submitted to me for my consideration, in line with the terms of reference.
I am currently reviewing the report in the context of the Programme for Government commitment, which is to significantly increase the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government. This commitment will be advanced having regard to the prevailing policy and budgetary context.
To note that from next month the weekly income disregard will further increase from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers with a spouse/partner. These are the largest ever increases in the Carer’s Allowance income disregard and will mean that even people with what are relatively high incomes will qualify for a carer’s payment for the first time.
For example, a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €110,000 will still retain their full carers payment and even with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment.
Employment Schemes
Questions (24)
Joe Cooney
Question:24. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in the context of the low numbers involved in the employment support scheme, he will consider ensuring those who are currently in receipt of the scheme retain it when changing employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46041/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department offers a range of supports to assist disabled people to take up and remain in employment.
The Employment Support Scheme offered financial support to employers to cover a disabled employee’s productivity shortfall. The employer paid 100% of the gross wage, then claimed back between 20%-50%, depending on, what was then described as the employee’s productivity shortfall.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme came into operation as a pilot scheme in September 2005. It replaced the Pilot Programme for the Employment of People with Disabilities and the Employment Support Scheme, both of which were closed to new applicants at that time.
Following a review of its pilot phase, the Wage Subsidy Scheme was placed on a permanent non-statutory footing in October 2008. Customers on the Pilot Programme for the Employment of People with Disabilities were absorbed into Wage Subsidy Scheme.
Any employee in an employment subsidised under the Employment Support Scheme in 2005 when the scheme closed to new applicants was allowed to remain on the scheme, but only in that specific employment. There are currently 32 employers who remain in receipt of the Employment Support Scheme with 38 employees supported, as of May 2026.
If the Deputy has a query in relation to a particular customer's case or scheme, he can provide details to Department officials.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (25)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:25. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection to detail the amount that was paid in respect of the provision of the free TV licence aspect of the household benefits payment in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45430/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Household Benefits Package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €317 million this year on the Household Benefits Package.
The department spent €84.39 million on the TV licence aspect of the household benefits payment in 2025.
I trust this clarifies the position.
Budget 2027
Questions (26, 56, 96)
Martin Daly
Question:26. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he expects the cost of disability payment to be introduced in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46030/26]
View answerTom Brabazon
Question:56. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the progress his Department is making to introduce a cost of disability payment. [46035/26]
View answerBrian Stanley
Question:96. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans in the next budget to introduce a cost of disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46153/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 56 and 96 together.
Supporting disabled people is a key priority for the Government. We recognise the additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and we are committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures. That is why the Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability payment.
In addition, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input from disability groups and advocates, includes a commitment to a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability, emphasising the cross-government nature of the issue.
Ahead of the Summit I ran a public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered, with over 1,100 submissions received, in a variety of formats.
The submissions also helped inform the agenda for the Summit which I hosted in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May 2026. It was an in-person and on-line event attended by over 300 people, including many people with disabilities, Disabled Persons' Organisations and other advocacy groups as well as representatives of many Government Departments.
The Summit was also attended by members of the Oireachtas together with senior Government Ministers including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, and the Minister of State for Disability and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport. This attendance indicates that while the work on the cost of disability has been led by my Department the delivery of a solution will involve a range of Departments and agencies. 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 are also needed.
The discussions at the Summit highlighted that the costs of disability are not uniform but vary significantly depending on the type and nature of a person's disability and his or her personal circumstances. Many costs relate to services that require measures across all sectors, including health, education, housing, energy, and transport.
A Report of the Summit will be published and presented to the Implementation and Monitoring Committee which is Chaired by An Taoiseach. It will set out the key lessons learned and inform the next round of Action Plans under the Strategy. It will also feed into the Budget 2027 process. No decisions have been made on the design or format of a payment. We are continuing to engage with stakeholders through their Pre-Budget submissions and at the Pre-Budget Forum which I will host on 1 July.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Questions (27)
Matt Carthy
Question:27. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will amend the current weekly means limit for the increase for qualified adult allowance for recipients of the State pension and to increase the current means limit of €100 which has been in place since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44962/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides State Pension payments through the State Pension (Contributory), which is a contributory based payment based on a person's social insurance record and the State Pension (Non-Contributory) which is means-tested social assistance payment.
A State pension (contributory) recipient can claim an increase on their pension in respect of a qualified adult where the eligibility conditions for this means-tested payment are satisfied.
Article 7 of SI 142 of 2007, the Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) Regulations, as amended, sets out the income limit for the payment of an IQA across a range of schemes, not solely in respect of the State Pension (Contributory) scheme.
An Increase for qualified adult is payable at the maximum rate of payment where the means of the qualified adult are not more than €100 per week. Reduced rates are payable where means are over €100 and not more than €310 per week. No increase is payable where means are in excess of €310 per week.
Means tests and income thresholds are kept under regular review and a number of significant changes have been made in recent years. In particular, a number of changes to means testing which provide for higher income disregards have been introduced. These disregards ensure that, where people are in receipt of a means-tested payment from my Department and are working, a certain level of income from that work is not assessed in the means test.
A comprehensive review of means testing in the social protection system is complete and with senior management for review. The purpose of the review of means testing is to look at the different means-tested schemes and to identify any issues in terms of the application of the respective means test.
The outcome of the review will inform decisions regarding any potential changes to means testing. Any change to the the income limit for the payment of an Qualified Adult Increase in respect of State Pension (Contributory), as suggested in the parliamentary question, would need to encompass the other schemes affected and would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 22.
Social Welfare Payments
Questions (29)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:29. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has given consideration to the difficulties faced by renters accessing the emergency response payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46283/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Emergency Response Payment is administered through my Department's Community Welfare Officers. The purpose of the scheme is to assist in minimising hardship by providing financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events. Persons in rented accommodation are not excluded from support.
Emergency Response Payments are generally made under three stages.
Stage 1 payments are made to households in the immediate aftermath of severe weather events for items such as essential food, clothing and bedding. These payments are not income tested, are based on the immediate need of the individuals impacted and are also available to persons in rented accommodation.
Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods and basic furniture in a person's primary residence and is available to individuals in rented accommodation where the tenant is the owner of the essential household item that requires replacement. The scheme does not cover household items owned by the landlord.
Stage 3 covers the cost of essential structural repairs such as plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting, once the property is owned, occupied and lived in as the applicant’s primary residence.
Landlords of privately rented accommodation may be supported under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme.
Unlike stage 1 payments, stage 2 and stage 3 payments are subject to income tests. The scheme is not intended to be a compensation scheme for losses that should be covered by household insurance. This is important to ensure that people who have resources do not use the State as a default insurer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (30)
Matt Carthy
Question:30. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the review of means testing in the social protection system will be completed this quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44961/26]
View answerWritten answers
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 currently with senior management of the Department for review 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 overall policy and budgetary context.
Employment Data
Questions (31)
Shane Moynihan
Question:31. 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; the further actions to reduce long-term unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45625/26]
View answerWritten answers
The most recent CSO Labour Force Survey indicates that 41,300 individuals were classified as long-term unemployed in Q1 2026, corresponding to a long-term unemployment rate of 1.4%. It is important to note that this group is not static, as it is constantly changing with individuals leaving long-term unemployment for employment and others entering it.
My Department, through its Public Employment Service—delivered via its Intreo centres and Intreo Partners—provides a comprehensive suite of supports to assist the unemployed including the long-term unemployed in securing work. These services, together with a labour market that continues to perform well, enables both short-term and long-term unemployed individuals to consistently secure employment and this accounts for the constant churn in the numbers of individuals experiencing long term unemployment.
Jobseekers on the Live Register engage with Intreo via Employment Personal Advisors and Job Coaches in the first 12 months. Beyond this, they are referred firstly to the Intreo Partner National Employment Service, which provides intensive jobseeker support, and the standard period of engagement is fifty-two weeks
After 24 months, jobseekers are referred to the Intreo Partner Local Area Employment Service, which is designed to engage with those with greater barriers to the labour market. Jobseekers are referred to the most appropriate service at each point in time on their job seeking journey.
There are a number of schemes available to the long-term unemployed to keep them close to the labour market, boost their skills and confidence and increase their employability.
Community Employment (CE) is an employment scheme targeted at long-term unemployed jobseekers, which provides them with work experience and training opportunities in their local communities.
The schemes are delivered by local sponsoring organisations who are the employers. Participants work 19.5 hours per week and can avail of training and upskilling opportunities while delivering valuable services to their community.
Recognising the role employers play in addressing long-term unemployment, JobsPlus is an employer subsidy of up to €10,000, available to employers who hire a jobseeker from the Live Register. The higher rate of €10,000 is payable when hiring a jobseeker under 50 who has been in receipt of a qualifying payment for 24 months in the previous 30 months.
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a six-month work placement programme aimed at keeping jobseekers close to the labour market and breaking the cycle of ‘no work, no experience’. Participants work 30 hours per week and are expected to complete sixty hours of training, including accredited or sector-specific training.
My Department is developing the successor strategy to Pathways to Work 2021-2025, which will focus on developing a public employment service that can serve all jobseekers, especially those facing additional barriers to employment such as the long-term unemployed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Care Services
Questions (32)
Joe Cooney
Question:32. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection if, given that over 60% of appealed decisions are overturned, the steps he is taking to address the high initial rates of refusal for the domiciliary care allowance; if his Department has undertaken any research into the costs incurred by families in rural counties for private assessments to support appeals for a payment to which they are have been proven to be entitled to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46042/26]
View answerWritten answers
Domiciliary Care Allowance is a non-means-tested payment of €380 per month to a parent or guardian for a child aged up to 16 who has a severe disability. The child must require care and attention substantially over and above that required by other children their age.
Applications for DCA are decided by a Deciding Officer on an individual case by case basis, based on the details provided in the application form by the applicant and from the child’s GP / Specialist. If any additional information or supporting documentary evidence is provided with the application, this is also considered.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to apply for DCA as soon as they believe their child meets the medical eligibility criteria. If the application is disallowed initially because sufficient medical evidence is not available at the time, a review of the decision can be requested once new medical information becomes available. Applying as soon as it is believed that the child meets the criteria helps ensure the application is considered from the earliest possible date.
It is important to note that where decisions are allowed on receipt of an appeal, this may not mean that the initial decision was incorrect. A decision can be revised because the person making an appeal provides additional information that was not available when the decision was first made. In other jurisdictions appellants are not allowed to submit additional information but instead are required to submit a new application. By referring the appeal papers back to the deciding team for review, our process is more flexible and does not require a person to restart the entire application process. As a result, 1,475 (about half) of the 3,026 DCA appeals granted in 2025 and 692 (62%) of the 1,111 DCA appeals granted in the period January to May 2026 were made by way of revised decision by the scheme Deciding Officers.
DCA is a scheme that is growing at a fast pace with over 15,500 applications received in 2025 and 7,700 applications already received by the end of May this year. If we compare this figure of 7,700 applications received to the 419 cases which were allowed by an Appeals Officer this year, this equates to 5% of cases.
These figures show my Department’s efforts to ensure that as few cases as possible must go through the full appeals process.
My Department has not undertaken specific research into the costs incurred by families, including those living in rural areas, in obtaining private medical or professional assessments to support appeals in relation to DCA applications. While it is recognised that obtaining additional assessments may involve costs for some families; my Department does not require applicants to obtain private assessments, and all available evidence submitted as part of the application or appeal process is considered.
My Department keeps its processes and customer experience under ongoing review to ensure that the DCA scheme is administered in a fair and accessible manner.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Services
Questions (33)
Eoin Hayes
Question:33. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has reviewed the processes of eligibility assessments, appeals, and administration which disabled people must undergo to access supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46269/26]
View answerWritten answers
Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly payment for people aged 16 to 66 with a disability expected to last at least one year. Eligibility is subject to medical assessment, means test and habitual residence conditions. Applicants must demonstrate that they are substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable given their age, experience, and qualifications, as a result of their condition.
My Department understands the many pressures faced by people and always seeks to ensure that claims are processed quickly and efficiently. The ambition to process applications and reviews quickly must be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent, of high quality, and made in accordance with the legislative provisions, and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice.
Operational processes, procedures, and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised, and repeated requests for information are minimised to avoid any undue stress to the customer.
New Social Welfare Appeals Regulations (S.I. No. 744 of 2024) came into effect from Monday, 28 April 2025. The purpose of these regulations is to modernise and streamline the social welfare appeals process, providing greater clarity, improved consistency, and more defined timeframes.
An Appeals Modernisation Project to develop and implement new business processes was completed in Q1 2025. The purpose of the project was to streamline and enhance the end-to-end appeals process for the customer. The new system provides online capabilities on MyWelfare which provide a more efficient and streamlined service for people making appeals.
This change supports the end-to-end electronic processing of appeals and provides a secure, comprehensive, online appeals service for customers. It is improving the customer experience by offering an additional online channel, facilitating 24/7 access to view their current appeal status which has helped improve communications with appellants during the appeals process.
As part of the Department’s programme of service delivery modernisation, a range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology, have been implemented in recent years. DA will be made available through the online service on MyWelfare in Quarter 3 of 2026., which will allow customers greater flexibility in applying for this scheme.
In addition, the staffing needs of the Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
School Meals Programme
Questions (34)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:34. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update in relation to progress on improving nutritional standard of the hot school meals programme; if he will provide for a pilot project looking into the socio-economic benefits of a model of local procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46173/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school including managing the procurement process.
The Department of Education and Youth Schools Procurement Unit provide guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme. They have published mandatory call for tender procurement documentation and guidance documents.
As Public Bodies, the schools are the Contracting Authorities and are subject to national and EU rules on the award of contracts for supplies, works and services. There are no plans currently to launch a pilot project looking into the socio-economic benefits of a model of local procurement.
My immediate priority is Nutritional standards and I have requested an in-depth review of school meal supplier menus and their compliance with the nutritional standards. My Department seconded a CORU-registered dietician for the School Meals Scheme who is under the clinical supervision of the Department of Health to carry out this review. The review is underway with the final report is due in the coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Payments
Questions (35)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:35. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to assess the financial adequacy of the State pension and supplementary social welfare payments for older, single persons who face escalating living costs and a chronic deficit of suitable single-unit accommodation options. [46329/26]
View answerWritten answers
The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is very effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. This Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case for current pensioners, those nearing State Pension age and today’s young workers including those who are only starting their careers.
Over €12 billion was allocated to State Pensions in Budget 2026, which is an increase of €700m on Budget 2025. From January of this year, the weekly State Pension increased by €10. This means the maximum rate of the contributory State Pension (Contributory) is now €299.30 per week.
Since 2021, the State Pension (Contributory) has increased by €51 per week. This shows continued commitment to supporting older people and this will remain a priority for Government.
It is recognised that the cost of living for a person living alone is greater than the individualised cost of two or more people living together. That is why a weekly Living Alone Increase of €22 is payable to all pensioners living alone who are in receipt of a State Pension from my Department. This payment has increased by over 144% since 2019, when it was just €9 per week.
In addition, my Department also provides a range of other payments which help to support people in meeting their costs-of-living:
• The over 80 allowance, which is an increase of €10 per week on the basic pension rate, is automatically awarded to qualified pensioners on attaining 80 years of age.
• The Free Travel Scheme is available to all people aged over 66 years permanently residing in the state.
• The Household Benefits Package is a supplementary payment to assist with the cost of electricity or gas bill. It also includes a TV licence.
• Fuel Allowance is a weekly payment of €38 payment to help with the cost of home heating during the winter months. It is paid to only one person in a household.
• Telephone Support Allowance is payable when a person is in receipt of a qualifying payment AND the Living Alone Increase AND the Fuel Allowance.
• The Island Allowance is a weekly social welfare increase of €20 for residents of certain Irish islands to offset extra living costs.
The rate of primary and secondary payments to pensioners, and their adequacy, are considered in the context of the annual budgetary process. In doing so, the Government considers evidence from a wide range of sources, including agencies such as the CSO, and also research submitted by advocacy groups such as the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, which uses a measure they call the “Minimum Essential Standard of Living," or MESL.
Any future changes to the rate of payment for the State Pension and any supplementary payments would have to be considered in the overall budgetary context, including possible increases to primary rates and other supports available.
Questions relating to the provision of housing supports are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 22.