Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
336. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection in light of the commitment to publish a new Roadmap for Social Inclusion (2026-2030) next month, if he will provide an update on the specific measurable outcomes and targets his Department has established to reduce core poverty rates among vulnerable groups, specifically pensioners and people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31545/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 is the national strategy that aims to reduce consistent poverty and make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the European Union. The Roadmap has a particular focus on supporting groups most impacted by poverty and social exclusion and sets out 81 commitments from across Government to achieve this. Progress is monitored by a Steering Group that I chair, and my Department publishes an annual progress reports and report cards detailing the progress that has been made. A fifth and final progress report and report card will be published in 2026.
A successor strategy for the period 2026-2030 is being currently developed by my Department, with the support of other Departments, and is intended to be published later this quarter.
Recognising the multi-dimensional nature of poverty, the strategy will again be cross-Government, building on progress to date, outlining measurable actions aimed at reducing poverty and improving social inclusion, and acknowledging continued and new challenges.
These actions will span key areas such as income adequacy, employment, housing, health, education, transport and childcare and focus on groups most impacted by poverty, including, but not limited to, those groups referenced by the Deputy - disabled people and older people. The new strategy is also informed by an extensive consultation process and engagement with civil society organisations. One target that will be included in the new Strategy, is the Child Poverty target that the Government announced last September.
This target aims to reduce the consistent poverty rate for children to 3% by the end of 2030. Further details on targets and associated actions to deliver on the objective of the new Roadmap will be published as part of the overall Strategy, later this quarter
