Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2024
9. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the implementation of the Programme for Government commitments under the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37655/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has 35 individual Programme for Government commitments and I am pleased to say that significant progress has been made on their implementation. The following is a summary of progress on the key commitments:
The last two successive social welfare Budget packages have been the largest in the history of the State with €2.2 and €2.3 billion invested in protecting the most vulnerable; Budget 2024 made a lone parent with two young children, €2,448 better off. A pensioner couple have seen their income increase by more than €2,514. A person with a disability living alone is €2,020 better off after Budget 2024, while the Child Benefit measure for 18 year olds in full time education was brought forward to May 2024;
Significant pensions reforms have been delivered including the establishment of a Commission on Pensions;
The introduction of a payment for people who retire at 65;
The Government has maintained the State Pension Age at 66;
The introduction of a Total Contributions approach for the State Pension Contributory scheme;
The introduction of a system of voluntary deferral of the State Pension up to the age of 70, which allows people to receive a higher rate of payment for each year they defer;
Long-term carers can now be awarded PRSI contributions for periods of care, so they can attain a State pension in their own right;
Auto-enrolment legislation was enacted in July;
Child maintenance payments have been removed from the means test for social assistance welfare payments;
We have tackled food poverty through the significant expansion of the School meals scheme and the establishment of the working group on food poverty;
We have extended funding for the Abhaile scheme until at least the end of 2027;
We have expanded the availability of activation schemes including those delivered by Intreo Partners the local employment area services and employability which are available nationwide;
We have maintained and enhanced access to the Free Travel Scheme;
Introduced measures to help the long term sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund; and
Legislation has been enacted to introduce Pay Related Jobseeker's Benefit.
I am delighted to say that significant progress has been made on these and the remaining Programme for Government commitments.
