Thomas Gould
Ceist:86. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the last date he met the ESRI and the agenda of the meeting. [2793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 15 January 2026
Ceisteanna (86)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department conducts an annual research programme, subject to the availability of funding, to deliver analytical and thematic research on poverty and social inclusion. This research is aimed at supporting my Department in designing and implementing effective supports and policies aimed at reducing poverty and improving social inclusion, in line with the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025.
Following an open competition, the current programme was awarded to the Economic, Research and Social Institute (ESRI) in 2024 under a three-year contract to 2027.
I have not met the ESRI officially since assuming office as Minister for Social Protection. However, my officials meet with researchers from the ESRI on a regular basis to review progress on commissioned studies, discuss forthcoming publications, consider methodological issues and agree priorities for future research.
In-person meetings between my Department's officials and ESRI researchers were held on 13th August 2025 in my Department and, prior to that, on 18th September 2024 in the ESRI's offices. These in-person meetings are supplemented by regular online meetings and email communication.