Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
25. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he intends to carry out a comprehensive review of means tests across the social welfare system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15049/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he intends to publish the outcome of a review instituted by his Department on means testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15654/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection when the review of means testing for qualifying allowances in the social protection system will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14635/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 46 and 79 together. 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 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 may 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.
