Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:331. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if the Government has a unified position on whether the retirement age will be raised in this Dáil [53107/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraState Pensions
Ceisteanna (331, 341, 344)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:341. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he intends to increase the State pension age in response to recent comments by the Governor of the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53100/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:344. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if she accepts that life expectancy and healthy life expectancy vary significantly between income groups; and if so, how his Department proposes to ensure that raising the pension age would not disproportionately penalise those with shorter life spans. [53103/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331, 341 and 344 together.
My Department is acutely aware of the potential impacts of the projected demographic changes on social protection supports, particularly in relation to the funding of State Pensions, however, there are no plans to increase the State Pension Age.
The previous Government established the Pensions Commission in November 2020 to examine eligibility and sustainability issues with the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, including the qualifying age. The Commission's Report, which was published on 7th October 2021, set out a range of recommendations for addressing the sustainability of the State Pension system including the gradual increase in the State Pension Age to 68 and increases in social insurance contribution rates.
In response to the Pensions Commission's recommendations, the then Government decided not to increase the State Pension Age but instead to fund the future sustainability of the State Pension system by implementing a series of gradual and incremental increases in PRSI rates for contributors. These increases total 0.7 percentage points between 2024 and 2028, with further increases to be considered, based on the most up-to-date data available from the next Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Gender Recognition
Ceisteanna (332)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:332. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will commit to introducing legal recognition for those who identify as non-binary, including an ‘X’ marker option on passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53797/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In June 2025 the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth launched the National LGBTIQ+Inclusion Strategy II (2024-2028).
As part of this strategy my Department has committed to progressing the action point to establish an interdepartmental working group to carry out an impact assessment on providing legal recognition for those who identify as non-binary. Any implications for markers on passports arising from the impact assessment will be a matter for the Passport Office.
My officials will engage with officials from the Department of Children, Disability, Equality Integration and Youth to progress this matter.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (333)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:333. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a breakdown of the means test in the case of a person (details supplied) who was refused the State pension (non-contributory) on the basis that the household means exceed the statutory limit by €148; if he will clarify whether this amount refers to a weekly or monthly calculation; if consideration will be given to reviewing or increasing the current means limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52931/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A state pension non-contributory application was received from the person concerned on 31 October 2024.
It was decided that the person concerned was not entitled to the pension as their weekly means of €384.08, exceeded the weekly statutory limit of €292.50 at the time. The current means limit is €305.00 per week. The main item included in the means assessment was their spouse’s private pension of €768.14 per week. A copy of the decision letter dated 3 December 2024 has reissued to the person concerned.
A comprehensive review of means testing in the social protection system is currently under way in my Department. 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 their respective means tests.
The outcome of the review will inform decisions regarding any potential changes to means testing. All prospective changes to means testing arrangements will have to be considered in both an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (334)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:334. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 25 September 2025, if he will review the details of a particular case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52939/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As recently advised to the Deputy, my Department is currently examining a particular anomaly whereby a small number of self-employed individuals do not meet the PRSI contribution requirements for any of the various social insurance based jobseeker's schemes. I will consider the matter once this examination is completed.
I am advised by officials in my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy is not affected by this issue and has been awarded Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed).
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (335)
Barry Ward
Ceist:335. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the increase in income disregards carer's allowance as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52972/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government has clearly 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 the Government.
With this Budget, we are increasing the income disregard for a single person by €375 per week to €1,000. That’s an increase of 60% and means that a single person who provides full time care but does some part-time work can earn over €55,000 per year from that work, and receive a full carers payment. In parallel, we are also increasing the income disregard for a couple by 60% or €750 to €2,000 per week. That means that a person who is caring in a household where their partner earns up to €108,000 per annum will receive a full carer’s payment.
Further improvements to the Carer's Allowance means test will continue to be considered in the context of annual budgets and in light of available resources.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (336)
Barry Ward
Ceist:336. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of eliminating the means test for the carer's allowance; the research his Department has carried out into this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52973/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 the Government and in light of available resources.
Census 2022 recorded approximately 299,000 people who “self-declared” on the census form as providing unpaid care at that time. The Irish Health Survey from 2019 suggests a higher figure - in the order of about 517,000 as reported by Family Carers Ireland. It is worth noting that figures contained in the Healthy Ireland Survey 2024, from the Department of Health, show that some 14% of respondents, or approximately 750,000 people report that they are carers. That is that they are providing regular unpaid personal help to a friend or family member with a long-term illness, health problem or disability.
My department has estimated that cost of removing the means test for Carer’s Allowance at an additional €600 million a year, based on current scheme numbers. In other words those in receipt a means-adjusted carers allowance plus those in receipt of the half-rate carers allowance plus those who do not receive either of these payments because they do not satisfy the means test, but who do receive the annual carers support grant. Once the potential additional inflow is accounted for based on Census data, this increased cost could extend up to an extra €3 billion per annum.
It is important that we make progress in a way that is sustainable, and which balances the allocation of the available budgetary resources each year across all priorities. This includes funding services to other vulnerable groups such as disabled people, lone parents, pensioners and children.
With this Budget, we are increasing the income disregard for a single person by €375 per week to €1,000. That’s an increase of 60% and means that a single person who provides full time care but does some part-time work can earn over €55,000 per year from that work, and receive a full carers payment. In parallel, we are also increasing the income disregard for a couple by 60% or €750 to €2,000 per week. That means that a person who is caring in a household where their partner earns up to €108,000 per annum will receive a full carer’s payment.
Any further changes or improvements to the carer payments, including the Carer’s Allowance payment, will be made in a considered manner within an overall budgetary and policy context.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (337)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:337. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the carers grant application for a person (details supplied). [52995/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Carer's Support Grant (CSG) is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to the certain conditions.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for the CSG from the person concerned on 22 September 2025.
In order to qualify for CSG, a person must be providing full time care and attention. Full time care and attention is defined as not less than 35 hours in a period of 7 consecutive days, and care is provided on any 5 days, whether consecutive or not within a period of 7 consecutive days.
The application was disallowed as, based on the information provided by the person concerned, they are not providing full time care as outlined above. A letter issued to the person on 03 October 2025 informing them of the decision. They were also notified of their right to have this decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (338)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:338. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to examine a guardian's payment application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53034/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Guardian's Payment is payable to a person who is taking care of a child who satisfies the definition of an orphan, which is defined in Section 2 (1) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, as a qualified child:
(a) both of whose parents are dead, or
(b) one of whose parents is dead or unknown or has abandoned and failed to provide for the child, and
(c) the other parent is unknown or has abandoned and failed to provide for the child;
where that child is not residing with a parent, adoptive parent or step-parent.
To date we have not received an application for Guardian's Payment from the person concerned. In order to examine their possible entitlement, the person concerned should complete and submit an application form for the payment. An application form has been forwarded to them by post.
On receipt of a completed application form and any supporting documentation, a Deciding Officer will consider all of the evidence and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (339)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:339. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the full cost of providing hot school meals at primary and secondary level; if he has carried out a review of the levels of waste involved in this scheme, including food waste and non recyclable waste; if he has examined more cost efficient and environmentally friendly ways of providing hot meals; if a review has been carried out on the quality of the foods being provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
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 handling the procurement process.
The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme.
In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards.
In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices. The supplier should make all reasonable efforts to minimise adverse environmental impact in the methods of services delivery and in materials used. My department does not collect details of the amount of additional wastage from school meals as this is managed at school level under the relevant contract.
I have directed that a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards be undertaken. This is being conducted by a dietician in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals. I have asked for a report on the nutritional standards to be submitted to me by the end of this year. In the meantime, food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, will be removed from the school menu by September 2025. Up to now this food had been permitted, as an option, once a week at most and only when selected by the child's parents.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction of food waste and the use of recyclable packaging.
The estimated cost of providing a hot school meal to every primary, secondary and special school child.
|
School Type |
No of Pupils |
Cost |
|
Primary |
542,379 |
€312m |
|
Secondary |
425,411 |
€225m |
|
Special |
9,737 |
€6m |
|
Total |
977,527 |
€543m |
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (340)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:340. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial supports available to cross-Border workers who live in this jurisdiction but are employed in the north of Ireland in the situation where they now no longer qualify for the working family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53059/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State in which a frontier worker is employed is responsible for paying a number of social welfare benefits. A frontier worker who lives in Northern Ireland and is employed in this jurisdiction may be entitled to the Working Family Payment (WFP). This is a means-tested payment. WFP is not available to frontier workers who are not employed in this jurisdiction.
A frontier worker who lives in this jurisdiction and is employed in Northern Ireland may be entitled to the Universal Credit from Northern Ireland. This is also a means-tested payment.
In some cases, a frontier worker living in this jurisdiction may be entitled to make an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) from this Department. SWA is a discretionary temporary means-tested payment available to people who are resident in the Republic of Ireland.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 341 answered with Question No. 331.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (342)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:342. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has conducted any assessment of the impact of raising the retirement age on workers in physically demanding occupations, such as construction, healthcare, and agriculture and if he will publish those findings. [53101/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is no mandatory retirement age in Ireland. Retirement conditions set out in contracts of employment are a matter for the individual and their employers. The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 is currently progressing through the Oireachtas, led by my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. The Bill, once enacted, will allow, but in no way compel, an employee to stay in employment until the State Pension Age (66). Questions relating to retirement ages as set out in employment contracts, should be directed to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
In relation to increases to the State Pension Age, the previous Government established the Pensions Commission in November 2020 to examine eligibility and sustainability issues with State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, including the qualifying age. The Commission's Report, which was published on 7th October 2021, set out a range of recommendations for addressing the sustainability of the State Pension system including the gradual increase in the State Pension Age to 68 and increases in social insurance contribution rates.
In response to the Pensions Commission's recommendations, the then Government decided not to increase the State Pension Age but instead to fund the future sustainability of the State Pension system by implementing a series of gradual and incremental increases in PRSI rates for contributors. These increases total 0.7 percentage points between 2024 and 2028, with further increases to be considered, based on the most up-to-date data available from the next Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund.
As there are no plans to increase the State Pension Age and my Department has no role in regulating contractual retirement ages, an assessment in the terms set out by the Deputy has not been conducted.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (343)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:343. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the projected fiscal position of the social insurance fund over the next 20 years on the basis of no change to the State pension age; and if he will provide comparable figures in the event of an increase to 67 or 68. [53102/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The most recent Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, published in March 2023, reflected the financial position of the Fund at the end of 2020. One of the key findings of the Review was that the Fund on a ‘steady-state’ basis, and keeping the State Pension age at 66 years, is projected to have annual surpluses until 2033, at which point the underlying demographic pressures would cause the Fund to experience annual deficits. By the end of 2045, the balance of the Fund is projected to be in deficit by some €13 billion.
It is in the context of these long term sustainability challenges facing the Social Insurance Fund that the previous Government agreed to incrementally increase all PRSI rates on employers, employees and the self-employed by 0.7 percentage points over the period 2024 to 2028. A further review of the adequacy of the social insurance rates will be carried out once the next Actuarial Review is completed in 2027.
As regards the comparable figures arising from an increase in the State Pension age to 67 or 68 years, my Department currently does not have an actuarial analysis available for the Deputy's proposal. Developing such an analysis to a reasonable degree of accuracy would require a significant effort to collate the relevant data, much of which is not readily available. Accordingly, and given other service priorities, it is not possible to provide an accurate actuarial analysis within the deadline for a Parliamentary Question.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 344 answered with Question No. 331.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (345)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:345. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the alternative fiscal strategies available to address long-term pension costs without raising the retirement age, such as increasing PRSI contributions or broadening the contribution base. [53105/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is acutely aware of the progressive increases in pension costs, particularly in relation to the funding of State pensions, which is one of the main drivers of the long term sustainability issues facing the Social Insurance Fund. This is mainly due to the challenge Ireland will face in relation to demographics, particularly the ageing of our population.
The previous Government established the Pensions Commission in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund in light of the projected demographic changes.
The Commission's Report, which was published in October 2021, took account of an assessment of various analyses of population, labour force and expenditure projections and set out recommendations to address the sustainability of the State pension system. The Commission’s report included a range of recommendations for addressing the increase in costs including the gradual increase in the State pension age, increases in social insurance contribution rates and exchequer contributions.
Independently of the work carried out by the Pensions Commission, my Department assesses all factors relating to the State Pension system and its sustainability under the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund - from which the State pension (contributory) is paid. The Actuarial Review must be conducted every five years, with the most recent Review being published in March 2023. A consistent finding of the Actuarial Reviews is that the Fund will experience significant long term sustainability challenges due to Ireland's changing demographics, the ageing of our population and the decreasing pensioner support ratio (the ratio between the number of older people and the number of working age people).
In order to address the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund, the previous Government decided not to increase the State pension age but instead to implement a series of gradual and incremental increases in PRSI rates across all three contributors to the Social Insurance Fund - employees, employers and the self-employed. These increases total 0.7 percentage points between 2024 and 2028, with increases after that point to be considered based on the most up-to-date data available from the next Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund.
The next Actuarial Review will consider the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund, including the projected numbers of older people qualifying for State pension (contributory) and the required increases in PRSI rates to support this expenditure.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (346)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:346. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to expedite a carer's allowance application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53162/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's allowance (CA) 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.
My Department has not received a recent CA application from the person concerned.
However the person concerned is in receipt of CA for a first care recipient since 21 April 2011 and a second care recipient since 02 June 2022.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of the maximum rate of CA payable for two care recipients which is €130 per week for the first care recipient and €65 per week for the second care recipient. They are receiving half rate CA because they are currently in receipt of Invalidity Pension.
As part of Budget 2025, the weekly income disregards for CA increased from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse/partner.
Based on these changes, the person concerned was assessed with no means from the 3 July 2025 and for this reason are in receipt of the maximum rate of CA payable.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (347)
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:347. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection his plan to reform the fuel allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53192/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine key ancillary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits and the Living Alone Increase to support vulnerable groups. This is an ongoing activity as part of the Department's budget planning each year and I will continue, as part of the budget planning process, to consider if improvements can be made to ensure that these benefits continue to target vulnerable groups. Any future decisions will, of course, have to take account of the availability of financial resources.
It was announced as part of Budget 2026 that the Fuel Allowance will increase by €5 to €38 per week and, for the first time, families receiving the Working Family Payment will qualify for the Fuel Allowance.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (348)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:348. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider increasing the number of hours an applicant can work, and retain payment on carers allowance, from 18.5, to help those who are providing full-time care on lower incomes and lower hourly pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53195/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment for people who are providing full-time care to someone who needs significant support due to age, physical or learning disability or illness, including mental illness. The main objective of the Carer’s Allowance payment is to provide an income support to carers whose ability to earn is substantially reduced because of their caring responsibilities.
To qualify for the Carer’s Allowance payment, the applicant must provides full-time care and attention to a person who is so incapacitated that they require this level of care for at least 12 months.
A carer is regarded as providing full-time care and attention to a relevant person, where the number of hours providing such care is not less than 35 hours in a period of seven consecutive days, and care is provided on any five days, whether consecutive or not, within a period of seven consecutive days.
While carer income support payments are based on the provision of full-time care and attention, it also allows carers to engage in work, training or education for up to 18.5 hours per week. In effect, a carer can engage in these activities for half of a full-time working week. During this time, adequate provision must be made for the care of the relevant person.
Both the full-time care and attention requirement and the 18.5-hour limitation are contained in the respective legislative provisions of the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Carer’s Support Grant schemes.
The 18.5-hour limitation for Carer’s Allowance represents a reasonable balance between meeting the requirement for providing full-time care for the care recipient and the needs of the carer to engage in education, training or employment, supporting a carer’s continued connection to the workforce and broader social inclusion.
Any proposals for changes to this condition would need to maintain this balance, and any changes to the eligibility criteria for Carer’s Allowance would have to be considered within a wider budgetary and policy context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Budget 2026
Ceisteanna (349)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:349. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will abolish the means test assessment requirement for carers allowance in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53196/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government has clearly 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 the Government.
It is important that we make progress in a way that is sustainable, and which balances the allocation of the available budgetary resources each year across all priorities. This includes funding services to other vulnerable groups such as disabled people, lone parents and children.
With this Budget, we are increasing the income disregard for a single person by €375 per week to €1,000. That’s an increase of 60% and means that a single person who provides full time care but does some part-time work can earn over €55,000 per year from that work, and receive a full carers payment. In parallel, we are also increasing the income disregard for a couple by 60% or €750 to €2,000 per week. That means that a person who is caring in a household where their partner earns up to €108,000 per annum will receive a full carer’s payment.
Further improvements to the Carer's Allowance means test will continue to be considered in the context of the annual Budget process and in light of available resources.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (350)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:350. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection for a summary of all recent changes to means tests for the disability allowance, including any changes to income disregards and maximum working hours. [53220/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and the habitual residency conditions.
My Department continues to keep the range of income and employment supports under review. Any proposed changes to the supports provided must also be considered in an overall budgetary context.
I can confirm that a €25 per week increase in the DA earnings disregards from €140 to €165 per week, was introduced in Budget 2023 and commenced in January 2023.
Recognising that all work is rehabilitative, the DA scheme is structured to encourage recipients to avail of opportunities to engage in either insurable employment or self-employment. When an individual engages in work, they can avail of an income disregard of 100% of the first €165 earned per week. 50% of earnings between €165 and €375 are also disregarded for the purpose of the means test. Any amounts over €375 are assessed in full.
This disregard is available to all DA recipients who engage in employment and there are no restrictions on the hours worked each week.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.