Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has given consideration to a cost of disability payment given the increasing vulnerability of households with one or more disabled members to poverty; his plans to ameliorate this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2837/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection provides a range of income support payments for disabled people. There are currently approximately 231,000 recipients of disability income support payments, with estimated expenditure of €3.24 billion in 2025.
The Government recognises the many additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures to help them address these costs.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people - commitments which have been further developed in The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. The strategy adopts a whole-of-Government approach with individual Departments and Agencies responsible for planning and delivering the commitments that come under their remit across five key pillars. The commitment to introduce a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment sits within this framework as a matter on which my Department is to take the lead. Subject to the overall budgetary context I am determined to include the payment as part of Budget 2027.
Importantly the strategy requires that the delivery of its various commitments should be informed by, and should include, the active input of disabled people and their advocates.
Accordingly, as set out in the strategy, my Department will lead a Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability with the involvement of other relevant Departments and Agencies.
The work of this network, which will include disabled people and their advocates, will inform the approach to be taken in addressing the cost of disability. Officials have held bi-lateral meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network with the matter also being discussed at my Department's Disability Consultative Forum, on December 2nd last.
A meeting with the Disabled Persons Organisation's network is being organised and that is expected to take place next Friday, 23rd January.
Given my intention to include a cost of disability for consideration in Budget 2027 I have asked my officials to continue to prioritise this work with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of this year.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
22. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection for the data his Department holds relating to any youth unemployment increases in certain sectors due to the rollout of AI; the sectors that have been identified as high risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2889/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish labour market continues to perform well, despite ongoing economic uncertainty. According to the most recent data from the Central Statistics Office, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5 percent in December 2025.
Recently, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) has risen. It stands on a seasonally adjusted basis, as of December 2025 at 14 percent. Youth unemployment is more volatile than that of the general population.
In its most recent quarterly bulletin, the Central Bank forecast unemployment to remain stable this year. It also highlighted that a reduction in hiring has coincided with a larger number of 15 to 24 year olds entering the labour market. Coupled with a decrease in part-time employment, youth unemployment has increased.
Last May, the Department of Finance Published “Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe? An Analysis of How AI Could Impact Ireland’s Labour Market”, it found that younger workers were slightly more exposed to AI compared to older workers, being both in “at risk” and “high gain” roles.
In addition, the Financial and Insurance; Information and Communication; and Professional, Scientific and Technical sectors were identified as more highly exposed with low complementarity to AI.
The performance of the labour market overall is monitored through Labour Market Updates, quarterly publications which examine emerging labour market trends, and are used by the Labour Market Advisory Council, which is composed of independent policy experts who provide advice to the Minister on labour market policy and oversee the implementation of the National Employment Strategy, Pathways to Work.
My Department is committed to continuing to monitor the impact of emerging technologies, and the exposure of vulnerable groups. These insights will inform the successor strategy to Pathways to Work, which is being developed at the moment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
23. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the percentage of primary schools in the Dún Laoghaire constituency that are currently participating in the hot school meals programme or have started the process of providing this service in the school; the actions being taken to further expand this to all remaining primary schools in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1403/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
As announced In Budget 2025, the Hot School Meals Scheme was extended to all remaining primary schools meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children are eligible for hot school meals in the 2025/2026 academic school year. All primary schools have access to the programme should they wish to avail or it.
The School Meals Programme is not mandatory for schools. The decision to apply lies with the school principal and board of management. Primary schools can choose to provide a hot school meal or a cold lunch option.
There are currently 512 primary schools in Dublin and of those 84% have applied for either the hot school meal or the cold lunch option.
It is important to note that the 2025/2026 academic school year started a few months ago and applications continue to be received and processed.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
24. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the rules and regulations governing the approval of rent supplement payments; and his plans to increase the payment. [2902/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent Supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
The relevant legislation governing the approval of Rent Supplement is listed below:
• Chapter 9 of Part 3 and Chapter 3 of Part 10 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 (as amended);
• Part 4 of Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 Rules as to Calculation of Means, (as amended);
• Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007 (as amended);
• Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014.
The Operational Guidelines for Rent Supplement are available on Gov.ie.
The number of people availing of Rent Supplement has reduced significantly. The Housing Accommodation Payment scheme and the Rental Accommodation scheme, administered by the local authorities, are now by far the largest schemes providing rental supports.
Accordingly, the issue of a review in the rent limits is a matter for the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I understand the Minister has approved the commencement of a review of Housing Assistance Payment rent limits. Officials from my Department will provide input to this review where appropriate. Any changes to the Rent Supplement limits will be considered in the context of the outcome of the Housing Assistance Payment review.
Insofar as Rent Supplement is concerned, my Department operates a flexible policy on a case-by-case basis that allows for higher Rent Supplement payments in certain circumstances.
Additional Needs Payment are also available to assist those who have essential expenses, such as rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills, that they cannot pay from their weekly income.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
25. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of individuals in Cork per Intreo area currently in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1241/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease note that the following figures relate to Co. Cork as a whole. As of the end of December 2025, there were 8,147 recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance, 1,888 recipients of Jobseeker's Benefit, and 2,949 recipients of Pay-Related Jobseeker's Benefit in Co. Cork.
26. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the plans in place in his Department to change the public services card provision, given data protection concerns of various stakeholders. [2753/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SAFE registration process is key to proper authentication of a person's identity. It acts to facilitate easier access to services by enabling people to present proof of identity on a 'once and done' basis rather than having to present such proofs each time they transact with a public body. It is also core to the delivery of secure online services and is key to the implementation of the Connecting Government 2030 strategy, and the implementation in Ireland of the EU Digital agenda including the EIDAS regulation and the EU Digital Wallet. The SAFE process and the use of the Public Services Card (PSC) was critical to the rapid rollout of services in response to the Covid epidemic and more recently has proven critical to the allocation of a unique identity, enabling access to public services, for the migrants from Ukraine and other countries.
The SAFE identity authentication process that matching photographs to protect against identity fraud is a core part of the Government’s public services platform. It helps to deter and, where attempted, detect fraudulent presentation of identities for the purpose of accessing public services and funds.
To date, over 4.8 million people have verified their identities using the SAFE process, over 3.2 million of whom use this verified identity to access online Government services. There have been no cases of loss, breach or misuse of data, or of any harm to individuals whose identity has been verified. On the other hand, there has been a number of cases of criminals detected and prosecuted for fraudulent presentation of identity. Notably, there has been a decrease in cases of identity related fraud since the roll-out of the SAFE Registration process in 2012.
By preventing identity fraud it enables secure and safe online access to services across multiple platforms, including DSP, Revenue, SUSI, NDLS and the Department of Agriculture. It also supports services like the free travel scheme (about 600,000 users each week).
The biometric verification of identity is a core requirement of the EU digital services initiatives including the introduction, under regulation, of an EU wide public services wallet/mobile phone app by 2027. The Government is committed to fulfilling the requirements of that regulation and requires the SAFE process to do so.
The Department believes that it has a valid legal basis for the SAFE Registration process and the Public Service Card and that it does satisfy the requirements of transparency required to operate the SAFE process, including the biometric processing element.
The Department, and the Government is committed to assuring the continued availability of the SAFE process and all of the services that it supports both to protect against fraud and for the convenience of service users.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
27. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of carers he expects to benefit from the means test changes announced in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2589/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains the commitment to abolish the means test for carers over the life of the Government.
Budget 2026 increases the earnings disregard for Carer’s Allowance by €375 to €1,000 per week for a single person and by €750 to €2,000 per week for a couple from July this year. These are the largest ever increases in the Carer's Allowance income disregards and are evidence of the Government's determination to deliver on its Programme for Government commitment. In July, the disregards will have increased cumulatively by €667.50 per week since 2022 for a single person and by €1,335 per week since 2022 for a couple.
The Budget 2026 measure will benefit both those current recipients who are on a means-reduced rate and who may see an increase in their payment rate, and those people making new claim applications subject to a means reduced rate in 2026.
On foot of the increases in the Carer's Allowance income disregards, a single person who provides full time care but also does some part-time work will this year be able to earn just over €54,000 and receive a full carer's payment. Similarly in a couple household, a person who is providing full-time care and where their partner might earn approximately €108,000 per annum will receive a full carer's payment. There are wider implications of departing from a means-tested approach above the cost exposure and, for this reason, the income disregard is being abolished in a measured way over a number of Budgets in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
Given that the scheme is demand led and that it is likely that many people who would be outside the means threshold have not previously applied for Carer's Allowance, it is difficult to estimate potential inflow from this measures. However, as with other schemes, the number of payments to be made under the scheme is not Budget-capped and the Department will closely monitor the inflow into the scheme to assess any change in trends. Data on take-up will be published in the Department's quarterly statistical releases.
28. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to introduce a cost of disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra31. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability support payment; the potential cost to the Exchequer of such a payment; if there is a timeline for the introduction of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69982/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra33. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the proposed annual cost of disability support payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra45. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection the future plans he and his Department have for persons living with a disability following the outcome of Budget 2026, where there is now evidence that persons with a disability are facing a cost of living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2595/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra412. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to address the cost of disability as it affects people with disabilities living in rural communities. [68470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 31, 33, 45 and 412 together.
The Department of Social Protection provides a range of income support payments for disabled people. There are currently approximately 231,000 recipients of disability income support payments, with estimated expenditure of €3.24 billion in 2025.
The Government recognises the many additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures to help them address these costs.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people - commitments which have been further developed in The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. The strategy adopts a whole-of-Government approach with individual Departments and Agencies responsible for planning and delivering the commitments that come under their remit across five key pillars. The commitment to introduce a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment sits within this framework as a matter on which my Department is to take the lead. Subject to the overall budgetary context I am determined to include the payment as part of Budget 2027.
Importantly the strategy requires that the delivery of its various commitments should be informed by, and should include, the active input of disabled people and their advocates.
Accordingly, as set out in the strategy, my Department will lead a Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability with the involvement of other relevant Departments and Agencies.
The work of this network, which will include disabled people and their advocates, will inform the approach to be taken in addressing the cost of disability. Officials have held bi-lateral meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network with the matter also being discussed at my Department's Disability Consultative Forum, on December 2nd last.
A meeting with the Disabled Persons Organisation's network is being organised and that is expected to take place next Friday, 23rd January.
Given my intention to include a cost of disability for consideration in Budget 2027 I have asked my officials to continue to prioritise this work with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of this year.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
29. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the progress being made in reviewing means testing across the social welfare system as outlined in the Programme for Government. [2882/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMeans tests are a central part of any social welfare system in ensuring that limited resources are targeted at those who are most in need. Ireland's system of social transfers consistently ranks among the top performers in the European Union for poverty reduction.
A key factor in this achievement is Ireland's use of means testing in targeting resources for the most vulnerable in our society. In addition, research indicates that targeting of supports to more vulnerable cohorts, through means testing, continues to be important even as societal income overall increases.
Means tests and income thresholds are kept under review and a number of significant changes have been made in recent years. A number of changes to means testing, which provide for higher income disregards have been introduced in recent Budgets. These disregards ensure that, where people are in receipt of a social assistance payment and are working, a certain level of income from that work is not assessed in the means test.
Currently, 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 guide 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 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 Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Social Protection the future plans he has for the rural social scheme and the Tús programme; and whether he will ensure these schemes remain adequately funded and accessible in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2860/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection operates a number of employment support schemes for people on social welfare payments nationally, including in County Offaly, helping them to attain relevant skills and experience to secure sustainable employment, while also supporting communities across the country through the provision of vital services.
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides part-time employment in community and voluntary organisations for underemployed farmers and fishers in receipt of qualifying social welfare payments. While Tús is an employment activation measure that offers short-term, fixed-duration work placements to long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged individuals.
Recent reforms have strengthened and expanded the RSS to support its sustainability and flexibility. The following three recommendations from the recent scheme review have been implemented from 1 January 2026:
A pilot scheme to include rural dwellers who are 50 years or over, in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment and whose primary residence is in a rural area.
• People engaged in farming or fishing who are not the holder of the herd number or fishing licence but who have a defined connection to the farming or fishing enterprise may now be eligible for the scheme.
• Both members of a couple who are jointly engaged in farming or fishing using one farming number or fishing licence may also participate on the scheme.
Tús is focused on shorter term work experience and skills development and the contract duration of 12 months ensures that as many people as possible, who are eligible to participate, can benefit from the scheme. Generally, Tús participants who have completed 52 weeks on the programme may progress onto CE where it is considered appropriate.
Eligibility for Tús has also been broadened in recent years to ensure those most in need can access opportunities. This includes people in receipt of Disability Allowance, young people with a low probability of finding work, refugees, Traveller and Roma customers, and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
My Department has secured €28.9 billion in the recent budget for social protection measures. For 2026, dedicated funding of €55.7 million has been allocated to the Rural Social Scheme and a further €94.5 million for Tús. This substantial investment provides certainty for participants and Implementing Bodies and ensures both schemes remain fully operational and accessible nationwide.
I wish to re-iterate that my Department keeps all aspects of these programmes under ongoing review to ensure they continue to deliver the best outcomes for participants and communities.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
32. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe for abolishing the means test for carer's allowance applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra68. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to remove the means test for carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1778/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection when the means test for the carer’s allowance will be abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2322/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra92. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeline for the abolition of the means test for carers. [2792/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 68, 69 and 92 together.
The Carer’s Allowance scheme is the main scheme by which the Department provides income support to carers. Expenditure on the scheme in 2026 is estimated at over €1.4 billion.
The primary objective of the Carer’s Allowance payment is to provide an income support to people whose earning capacity is substantially reduced because they cannot work full-time due to their caring responsibilities.
The Programme for Government clearly sets 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 is a major change to the Carer's Allowance, and to the Irish social welfare system generally. It is important that we make progress in a way that is sustainable, and which does not unduly limit our scope to support other vulnerable groups.
The process is well underway. From July last year the amount of weekly earnings disregarded was increased to €625 for a single person and €1,250 for a couple.
More recently, as part of Budget 2026, I announced further improvements to the Carer’s Allowance means test. For carers who work outside the home, 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.
Since June 2022, there have been cumulative increases to the disregards of over 200%.
The changes to the means test announced in Budget 2026 are the largest ever increases in the Carer’s Allowance income disregard and will result in more carers qualifying for Carer’s Allowance. In addition, many carers on a reduced rate will see their payments increase.
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.
The latest changes are evidence of the Government’s determination to deliver on its commitment to eliminate the means test over our term. We will continue to do so in a progressive manner, in light of the prevailing budgetary conditions.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
34. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide any analysis on the inflation of costs associated with energy, housing, and groceries for people dependent on social protection supports for the majority of their income; and the way in which that compares with increases in social protection payments over the past five years. [2755/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CSO produces inflation statistics and this includes an all items category and also the Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose Adapted to the Needs of Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices (2000) (COICOP) category.
It is worth noting that indexing weekly social protection rates to only one measure, such as inflation, presents a challenge as it can, depending on what happens in the wider economy, widen the income gap between those largely dependent on social protection payments and other people in society.
The smoothed earnings approach developed in relation to State Pension payments addresses this challenge as it links the pension rate to 34% of average earnings, and allows for variation in periods where inflation exceeds earnings growth. This approach to calculating an indexed rate for State Pension payments has been an input to the annual budget process for the past three Budgets since it was first calculated in September 2023.
Budget 2026, announced in October 2025, provided increases of €10 across social welfare schemes from January 2026, with proportionate increases for those on reduced rates as well as Qualified Adults. This represents a 4.1% increase on most payments when consumer prices had increased by 3.2% over the 12 months to November 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
These rate increases will continue to assist in mitigating the impact of the sustained period of price increases for the most vulnerable in our society.
In December 2025, the ESRI published its assessment of the distributional impact of the tax and welfare policies in Budget 2026. Its analysis points out the progressive nature of the social welfare increases in Budget 2026, resulting in real increases in income for those at the lower end of the income distribution.
The ESRI also studied the cumulative impact of Budgets 2020 to 2026 compared to a 2020 policy scenario indexed to price and wage growth and concluded that, thanks the progressive changes delivered across these Budgets, that those in the lowest income decile experienced a real increase in income relative to the alternative (indexed) scenario. This is due, in part, to significant increases in Child Support Payment rates that were in excess of price and wage inflation from 2020 to 2026.
This year, the Department of Social Protection will invest €28.9 billion in social welfare expenditure supporting pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, jobseekers and families in every community across the country.
35. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the social protection payment increases that came into effect from 1 January 2026; the level of increased spending overall; the amount of people to benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2712/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Tuesday 7th October 2025, I announced a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures for Budget 2026. In total, the Revised Estimate provides that €28.9 billion will be invested in social protection in 2026, an increase of 7.6% on the equivalent figure from 2025.
The measures contained in the Budget are designed to support the most vulnerable in our society with the cost of living and there is a particular focus on tackling child poverty.
The Budget package includes the largest Child Support Payment increase in the history of the State, with a weekly increase of €16, to €78, for children aged 12 and over (a 26% increase in the rate), and a weekly increase of €8, to €58, for children under 12 years (a 16% increase).
This brings the total annual value of the Child Support Payment to more than €3,000 for each child under 12 and more than €4,000 for each child 12 and over. These increases greatly exceed the rate of inflation and will directly benefit about 330,000 children whose parents are in receipt of a social welfare payment.
Record increases were announced in respect of the Carer’s Allowance income disregard, with an increase of €375 to €1,000 for a single person, and an increase of €750 to €2,000 for a couple. The income limit for Carer’s Benefit will also increase by €375 to €1,000 per week. This change will take effect from July 2026.
Also included in the Budget package are across the board increases of €10 per week to maximum personal payment rates, benefitting people such as pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and lone parents, with proportionate increases for people receiving a reduced payment rate and qualified adults.
The Budget package also provides significant supports to help householders with the cost of heating and other energy bills. The Fuel Allowance will increase by €5 to €38 per week.
This package consists of more than €320 million in targeted measures designed to tackle child poverty. This will make a real difference in the drive to alleviate child poverty and improve the lives of the many children and their families across Ireland.
The number of people who will benefit from increased social protection payment measures from January 2026, unless noted otherwise, are as follows:
Families with Children:
• 330,029 children to benefit from increase of Child Support Payment by €8 per week for children under 12 and by €16 per week for children aged 12 and over.
• 35,000 families to benefit from extension of Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for 2 and 3 year old children.
• 43,000 families in receipt of Working Family Payment to benefit from expanded eligibility for Fuel Allowance (from March, backdated to January).
• 48,869 recipients and 100,117 children to benefit from an increase to the Working Family Payment income threshold, by €60 per week.
Carers and People with Disabilities
• 1,500 employers and 2,500 employees to benefit from a €1.20 increase to base rate of Wage Subsidy (to €7.50 per hour, from April).
• approximately 3,000 individuals to benefit from an increase to earnings disregard for Carer's Allowance (from July this estimate is subject to inflow into the scheme).
• 73,089 children will benefit from a monthly increase of €20 to Domiciliary Care Allowance to €380 per month.
• Pensioners
• 414,188 recipients will benefit from an increase to weekly rate of Fuel Allowance by €5.
• 804,361 pensioners and 50,243 qualified adults totalling 854,604 beneficiaries of a €10 increase to the maximum weekly rate of all pension payments.
• Employment Supports and Working Age Income Supports
• 27,200 individuals to benefit from an increase to top-up payment for Community Employment, Tús, and RSS.
• 720,659 beneficiaries of an increase to the weekly rates of payment for working age schemes by €10 per week.
36. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps his Department is taking to design and deliver a targeted social welfare payment for families experiencing consistent poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1858/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes the commitment to explore a targeted child benefit payment and examine the interaction this would have with existing targeted supports like the Working Family and Child Support Payments. This work is currently underway in my department.
While a targeted child benefit payment is one approach to reduce child poverty, there are also existing schemes and mechanisms available to me to achieve this end. We know, based on ESRI research, that increases in the Child Support Payment and Working Family Payment are very effective at tackling child poverty.
These payments provide targeted assistance that is directly linked to household income, thereby supporting low-income families with children. This is why, as part of Budget 2026, we introduced the highest single increases to Child Support Payment rates in history, as well as significant increases to thresholds for the Working Family Payment, amongst other measures.
The Government has also approved an ambitious child poverty target, with a consistent poverty rate of 3% to be achieved by the end of 2030. This would mean a reduction of 5.5 percentage points from the current child consistent poverty rate of 8.5%.
While of course, no level of child poverty is acceptable, the new Child Poverty Target will guide our cross-government policies and ensure investment is targeted at the children who need it the most, so we can lift as many children as possible out of poverty.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
37. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide analysis carried out by his Department on the net financial effect on individuals and families when a disabled person turns 16 years of age, given that disabilities payments commence but the domiciliary care allowance ends. [2754/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment 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. Eligibility is not means tested or based on social insurance contributions.
Eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance stops when a child reaches 16 years of age at which point the young person may be eligible for Disability Allowance in their own right.
Disability Allowance is a means-tested income support payment for people whose illness or disability means that they are substantially restricted from doing work that would be suitable for a person of their age, experience and qualifications.
As part of Budget 2026, the rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance increased by €20 to its current monthly rate of €380, or a weekly equivalent of €95. Disability Allowance was also increased this month by €10 to a weekly personal rate of €254 per week.
If a young person becomes entitled to Disability Allowance at age 16 there will likely be an increased social welfare payment into their household. The overall position within the household in terms of the level of social welfare support received will be determined by a number of factors including the young person's means and whether other members of the household are in receipt of a social welfare payment.
If their parent or guardian continues to provide full-time care when a young person moves on to Disability Allowance they can retain, or apply for, a carer's payment such as Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit, both of which have also now been increased to weekly rates of €270 and €271 respectively.
The non-means tested Carer's Support Grant is also available to all full-time carers whether or not they are in receipt of a payment from my Department. As part of Budget 2025, the Grant was increased by €150 bringing this annual payment to €2,000, the highest rate since its introduction.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
38. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for the fuel allowance, per month, for the past three years, specifying which of these applicants are also in receipt of the working family payment or another automatically qualifying social welfare payment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2836/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs; it is not intended to meet these costs in full. The payment is made for 28 weeks over the winter season - from late September to early April - at the weekly rate of €38 or, if preferred, by way of two instalments - one in September and one in January. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.
As part of Budget 2026, the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance increased by €5 from €33 to €38.
Fuel Allowance is administered across a wide range of qualifying schemes and across different IT platforms. As a result, the breakdown of applications by month and by scheme is not readily available.
At the end of December 2025, there were 420,646 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance of which 289,582 recipients were receiving the weekly payment and 131,054 recipients were in receipt of the payment by two instalments. Fuel Allowance is a demand led scheme. It should be noted that the number of qualified households continuously fluctuates, as recipients join and exit the scheme as their circumstances change.
The records of my Department indicate that there are 3,946 recipients of Working Family Payment who are also getting Fuel Allowance at the end of December 2025. In these cases, the qualification for Fuel Allowance is due to being in receipt of another qualifying scheme in addition to Working Family Payment.
As announced in Budget 2026, Fuel Allowance is being extended to all recipients of Working Family Payment, provided the allowance is not already in payment to another member of the household. My officials are working on the IT development required to implement this budget measure. It is expected that payment of Fuel Allowance will issue to Working Family Payment recipients in March/April, including any arrears due back to January 2026.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
39. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps being taken to address delays and barriers experienced by applicants for social protection and disability-related payments in Dublin Bay North, including waiting times for decisions and appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2678/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly payment for people aged 16 to 66 with a disability expected to last at least one year, subject to medical, means, and habitual residence conditions.
My Department is committed to providing an efficient and fair service to all customers and to processing applications as quickly as possible. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the scheme, particularly where medical evidence and means assessments are required.
In respect of DA, evidence must be provided in respect of the person’s medical condition, the extent to which it restricts them from taking up employment, their means and their habitual residency.
The average number of weeks to award a Disability Allowance claim is currently 6 week, exceeding the processing target for DA to award 80% of applications within 10 weeks.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is responsible for determining appeals on decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. The average processing time for DA Appeals is 19 weeks.
My Department understands the many pressures faced by people and always seeks to ensure that claims are processed efficiently. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, the details can be provided to the Department for examination.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
40. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding safeguards that have been put in place to protect employees from unsavoury practices that would require them to join less favourable pension schemes in place of being registered under the My Future Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1404/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of workers estimated to be due refunds as a result of the late introduction of regulations associated with auto-enrolment introduced in late December 2025 and which changed how employers calculated reductions in take-home pay. [2751/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection his efforts to include all employers in the auto-enrolment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1779/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 50 and 56 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce the Automatic Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings System. The aim of introducing AE is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland and to provide workers with access to a quality assured retirement savings scheme. The new system - known as My Future Fund - commenced on the 1 January 2026. Over 763,000 employees that weren't actively contributing to a qualifying pension or PRSA through payroll have now been automatically enrolled in My Future Fund.
My Department has evidence that some employers intended to compulsorily enroll their employees into occupational pension schemes at employer-only rates lower than those provided for in the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Act (2024) in order to ensure that the employees concerned were not automatically enrolled into the My Future Fund scheme. In order to address these concerns, I have prescribed standards through a Statutory Instrument that will ensure that pension arrangements outside of My Future Fund are at least as favourable for the participating employee as they would be under the introductory contribution rates in My Future Fund. For instance, in the case of a defined contribution occupational pension scheme or a PRSA, the standards specify the total contributions amount to at least 3.5% of the employee’s gross pay, of which at least 1.5% must be made by the employer (subject to a maximum of €1200 per annum) to exempt an employment from enrolment in My Future Fund. For defined benefit schemes, the standards specify that those that confer a long-term benefit based on continuing employment, will allow such employments to be exempted.
It is important to note that these standards, which were developed by the Board of NAERSA following examination of this matter and taking account of the views of the Pensions Authority, do not question the nature and composition of schemes or arrangements, which are governed by the Pensions Act 1990 (as amended), and/or individual scheme rules – rather they set the basis by which members of such schemes may seek exemption from enrolment in My Future Fund for the employment to which the scheme or arrangement pertains. Accordingly, the standards do not require employers to change payroll calculations at all. As the number of people enrolled who may now be exempt as a result of these standards is expected to be very low, the level of worker refunds required, if any, is expected to be insignificant.
In terms of next steps, the new State agency tasked with overseeing My Future Fund (the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA)) will focus on ensuring that any schemes claiming exemption from My Future Fund comply with these standards. This will involve assessing contribution levels over a three-month period. This assessment period is necessary so that the average level of contribution can be accurately calculated taking account of seasonal impacts, overtime, and commission payments. Employers of any schemes where the contribution amount, over this period, is less than the specified 3.5%, will be contacted with a view to assisting them to become compliant.
However, if an employer scheme continues to fall below the standard with no evidence of the employer making appropriate efforts either to reach the exemption standard or to allow their staff to enrol in My Future Fund, then the compliance powers available to NAERSA under Part 9 of the AE Act will be enforced.
It should be noted that most employers are hugely supportive of My Future Fund. This was evident in the roll out of the My Future Fund communications campaign coordinated by my Department, which included an employer focused phase that comprised of webinars, employer focused advertisements on TV, radio, and social media, face to face events, press publications, and large employer mailshots. The effectiveness of this engagement can be observed in the number of employers that have registered on the My Future Fund employers portal: by the 9 January 2026 the numbers of employers registered was 93,581 and this number is growing daily. This is a significant and positive outcome for the new scheme, which will ultimately provide employees with greater comfort and security regarding their retirement income.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputies.
