Written Answers Nos. 249-268
249. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to increase the weekly rate of carer's allowance and carer's benefit to €325 to recognise the additional cost of providing full-time care in a cost of living crisis. [65994/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the vital role that family carers play and remains committed to supporting them. The Programme for Government includes commitments to progressively increase weekly Carer’s payments.
Carer’s Allowance is the main income support for carers, with almost 111,000 people receiving the payment at an estimated cost of over €1.4 billion this year. As part of Budget 2026, a range of measures to support carers were announced, including increases to payment rates.
In January 2026 there was a €10 increase in the maximum personal rate of Carer's Allowance and Carer's Benefit to €270 and €271, respectively, for carers aged under 66. For those aged 66 and over, the maximum weekly rate for Carer’s Allowance is now €308.
Significant progress has been made on phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance. As part of Budget 2026, and with effect from July, the weekly income disregard increased by 60% from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of a couple. The earnings limit for Carer’s Benefit was also increased to €1,000 per week after tax.
These changes mean that virtually all those currently in receipt of Carer's Allowance are in receipt of the maximum rate. Since July, an estimated 2,700 carers have received an increase in their Carer’s Allowance payment as a result of these changes. The disregards for Carer’s Allowance remain, by far the highest income disregards in the social welfare system, higher than those for any other weekly payment.
Further improvements, including the level of weekly payments, will be considered as part of the annual budget process having regards to costs and overall welfare improvements.
250. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to address the shortfall in respite services, and the promised statutory home support scheme; and if there will be investment to meet demand and milage reimbursement for all home care workers. [65998/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health. The Department of Health have responsibility for respite and home care services and the proposed statutory home support scheme.
251. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware of the hardship caused when carers reach pension age and are in receipt of carer’s allowance; if he understands the impact that transitioning to half carers has on families; if he plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a comprehensive range of income supports to carers including Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer's Support Grant. Expenditure on these supports in 2026 is estimated at over €2.2 billion.
In general, a person can only receive one primary social welfare payment at a time. People who qualify for more than one payment usually receive whichever payment is higher. However, because of the important role carers play, an exception applies.
This arrangement allows people receiving certain welfare payments to retain their primary payment and receive up to a half-rate Carer’s Allowance, depending on their means. For example, a person who qualifies for the State Pension can continue to receive up to a half-rate Carer’s Allowance.
Following Budget 2026, a person receiving Carer’s Allowance who qualifies for the full State Pension (Contributory) can move, at age 66, from a €270 per week Carer’s Allowance to a combined payment of €453.30 per week. This is an increased social welfare payment of €183.30 per week as the carer transitions to pension age.
The Government’s current main policy focus in relation to carers is the process of phasing out the means test for Carer’s Allowance, rather than making changes to the half-rate payment. This policy approach is strongly advocated by family carer organisations. Significant improvements were made in July when the weekly income disregard increased from €625 to €1,000 for a single person and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers who are part of a couple. This means that virtually all those currently in receipt of Carer's Allowance are in receipt of the maximum rate available to them.
The Programme for Government commitments in relation to carers will continue to be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
252. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department maintains a risk register; if so, if copies of the register since 2022 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66071/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has an established Risk Management Policy to assist business areas in identifying, assessing, mitigating, monitoring, and reporting on the risks to which the Department may be exposed. It also enables the achievement of the Department’s strategic objectives through well-managed governance structures. The policy has been prepared in accordance with the relevant guidelines which were issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2016.
All risks identified are held in risk registers on the Department's Business Planning and Risk Management application. Reports on these risks and the actions to mitigate them are examined by the Management Board each quarter. The risk management policy is embedded throughout the work of each business area of my Department.
The information contained in the Department’s risk registers can be of a sensitive nature. As such, it is not possible to provide copies. The Department's Risk Management Policy is published online and available on gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
253. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received by the Community Welfare Service for basic supplementary welfare allowance, for additional needs payments and for exceptional needs payments, at each office at which Community Welfare Services are provided, in each of the years 2024, 2025 and in the period 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026; and the number of such applications awarded in each case, in tabular form. [66047/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
Table 1 below shows the number of recipients of Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance at the end of 2024, 2025, and to the end of June 2026 by county. Table 2 below shows the number of Additional Needs Payments registered and awarded in 2024, 2025, and to the end of June 2026 by county. We do not hold the information requested by office.
The figures for Additional Needs Payments do not reflect the number of claims that have been withdrawn, cancelled or are awaiting further information. Applications are assessed on the basis of identified need, income, available resources and essential expenditure. Applications continue to be submitted from individuals who may not qualify when assessed against this criterion, impacting the number of claims registered and not awarded.
My department also publishes statistics on Additional Needs Payments in the Quarterly Statistics report which is available at gov.ie.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance or an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications for an Additional Needs Payment can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Tabular Statement
Table 1: Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance – Recipients at year end 2024, 2025, and end of June 2026 by county
|
County |
End of 2024 |
End of 2025 |
End of June 2026 |
|
Carlow |
165 |
149 |
111 |
|
Cavan |
117 |
99 |
92 |
|
Clare |
194 |
183 |
182 |
|
Cork |
1,099 |
972 |
885 |
|
Donegal |
387 |
347 |
337 |
|
Dublin |
4,090 |
3,064 |
2,846 |
|
Galway |
359 |
340 |
278 |
|
Kerry |
235 |
202 |
194 |
|
Kildare |
399 |
335 |
332 |
|
Kilkenny |
232 |
187 |
154 |
|
Laois |
172 |
145 |
137 |
|
Leitrim |
65 |
47 |
30 |
|
Limerick |
388 |
334 |
296 |
|
Longford |
95 |
86 |
70 |
|
Louth |
500 |
481 |
477 |
|
Mayo |
219 |
197 |
208 |
|
Meath |
470 |
354 |
348 |
|
Monaghan |
124 |
140 |
136 |
|
Offaly |
168 |
169 |
151 |
|
Roscommon |
125 |
134 |
90 |
|
Sligo |
99 |
97 |
127 |
|
Tipperary |
509 |
412 |
381 |
|
Waterford |
381 |
360 |
316 |
|
Westmeath |
189 |
119 |
137 |
|
Wexford |
521 |
497 |
477 |
|
Wicklow |
459 |
368 |
334 |
|
Total |
11,761 |
9,818 |
9,126 |
Table 2: Additional Needs Payment – Number registered and awarded in 2024, 2025, and to end of June 2026
|
County |
2024 Registered |
2024 Awarded |
2025 Registered |
2025 Awarded |
End of June 2026 Registered |
End of June 2026 Awarded |
|
Carlow |
2,153 |
1,134 |
1,923 |
841 |
882 |
378 |
|
Cavan |
1,836 |
838 |
1,775 |
818 |
766 |
335 |
|
Clare |
3,194 |
1,802 |
2,614 |
1,226 |
1221 |
625 |
|
Cork |
10,842 |
5,853 |
10,641 |
5,167 |
4628 |
2,142 |
|
Donegal |
5,282 |
2,896 |
4,332 |
2,399 |
2067 |
1,116 |
|
Dublin |
47,517 |
29,959 |
39,746 |
21,270 |
19697 |
10,033 |
|
Galway |
6,332 |
3,483 |
5,489 |
2,422 |
2422 |
1,020 |
|
Kerry |
4,577 |
2,552 |
3,863 |
1,825 |
1596 |
802 |
|
Kildare |
5,286 |
2,796 |
4,182 |
1,905 |
1850 |
713 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,338 |
1,185 |
2,171 |
1,082 |
928 |
392 |
|
Laois |
3,095 |
1,777 |
3,222 |
1,936 |
1047 |
476 |
|
Leitrim |
1,188 |
691 |
1,046 |
549 |
426 |
200 |
|
Limerick |
5,168 |
2,801 |
4,992 |
2,429 |
2388 |
1,089 |
|
Longford |
2,469 |
1,331 |
2,070 |
907 |
876 |
349 |
|
Louth |
5,870 |
3,577 |
5,948 |
3,294 |
2799 |
1,312 |
|
Mayo |
4,003 |
2,127 |
3,790 |
1,803 |
1670 |
762 |
|
Meath |
4,796 |
2,458 |
4,536 |
2,131 |
2046 |
904 |
|
Monaghan |
2,055 |
1,402 |
1,747 |
1,001 |
803 |
450 |
|
Offaly |
2,707 |
1,311 |
2,119 |
984 |
893 |
336 |
|
Roscommon |
1,712 |
903 |
1,459 |
664 |
725 |
332 |
|
Sligo |
2,410 |
1,393 |
2,429 |
1,323 |
1238 |
777 |
|
Tipperary |
4,816 |
2,486 |
4,207 |
1,886 |
1967 |
800 |
|
Waterford |
3,852 |
2,054 |
3,763 |
1,864 |
1720 |
860 |
|
Westmeath |
3,535 |
2,083 |
3,376 |
1,805 |
1573 |
762 |
|
Wexford |
4,065 |
2,055 |
3,895 |
1,860 |
1868 |
816 |
|
Wicklow |
3,984 |
2,311 |
3,432 |
1,762 |
1516 |
750 |
|
Other |
46 |
19 |
65 |
17 |
30 |
8 |
|
Total |
145,128 |
83,277 |
128,832 |
65,170 |
59,642 |
28,539 |
254. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of jobseeker signing and certification appointments conducted in person at each Intreo centre and branch office in each of the years 2024, 2025 and in the period 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026, in tabular form. [66045/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA person claiming a jobseeker payment may be required to prove unemployment by attending their Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office on a day and at a time specified by an officer of the Minister. The frequency of attendance varies depending on the type of jobseeker payment being claimed and may range from weekly to annually.
The information requested is not routinely collated by Intreo Centre and Branch Office. The compilation of the data sought requires the extraction and validation of information from a number of systems.
My Department is currently compiling the information requested and I will arrange for the detailed breakdown by Intreo Centre and Branch Office to be provided directly to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
255. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new claims for social welfare payments registered at each Intreo centre and branch office in each of the years 2024, 2025 and in the period 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026, in tabular form. [66044/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepending on the welfare scheme customers may have the option to register their social welfare claim via a paper form, or digitally on MyWelfare. Registered claims are assigned to the appropriate welfare office.
The number of claims registered for the main welfare schemes is published in the Department of Social Protection Annual Statistics Report. Figures for 2026 are available for selected schemes only and cannot directly be compared to the annual figures. Claim registration statistics are collected on a national level and cannot be broken down by claim characteristics such as the welfare office.
|
Calendar year |
Claims registered |
|
2024 |
3,580,309 |
|
2025 |
3,684,545 |
|
2026 to end June* |
629,443 |
* Cannot be compared to annual figures for 2024 and 2025. Includes State Pension (Contributory), State Pension (Non-Contributory), Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit, Pay Related Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, Supplementary Welfare Allowance, Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit, Parent's Benefit, Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Illness Benefit, Occupational Injury Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Child Benefit, Working Family Payment, Household Benefits. Published annual figures include additional schemes including high volume Treatment Benefit and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
256. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the timetable for the extension of online appointment booking for Public Services Card registration to all offices at which that service is provided; and the criteria applied in determining the order in which offices are brought onto that facility. [66054/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the offices at which an appointment for Public Services Card registration may be booked online through MyWelfare.ie; the offices at which registration is available on a walk-in basis only; and the number of such appointments booked online in each of the years 2024 and 2025 and in the period 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026, in tabular form. [66052/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 258 together.
My Department authenticates identity for the purposes of allocating a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) and/or a Public Services Card (PSC) through the Standard Authentication Framework Environment (SAFE) Registration process.
To ensure best customer service and maximum use of SAFE registration capacity, a combination of walk-in services, appointment service, and online services is available.
In-person services are available at the offices listed at Table 1.
My Department launched an online appointment booking service through MyWelfare in January 2026 for people applying for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number. From 30 January 2026 to 1 July 2026 54,867 PPSN appointments were booked online through MyWelfare. The implementation of a PSC appointment system is currently being examined.
Customers who require a PPSN can book an appointment at a location that suits them best, at a date and time that is convenient to them, subject to availability. If a person needs to cancel or amend an existing appointment and make a new appointment at the same or a different location, they can log on to their MyWelfare dashboard and make the change there.
If a person already has a PPSN and wishes to apply for a Public Services Card (PSC) for the first time they can avail of a walk in service and do not need to make an appointment. If the person wishes to make an appointment they can do so by contacting the office of their choice. It is important to note that if the person has a current Irish Passport and wishes to apply for a PSC for the first time they can apply online through MyGovID and do not need to attend an in-person appointment.
Customers who have a verified MyGovID account can renew their Public Services Card (PSC) online through MyWelfare.ie, removing the need to attend in person. However they also have the option of attending in person.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1
|
Carlow Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Muine Bheag Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Tullow Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Ballyconnell Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Cavan Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Ennis Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Ennistymon Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Kilrush Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Tulla Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Bandon Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Bantry Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Carrigaline PSC Centre |
PSC |
|
Clonakilty Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Cobh Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Cork City PPSN/PSC Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Fermoy Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Kinsale Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Macroom Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Mallow Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Midleton Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Newmarket Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Skibbereen Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Youghal Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Ballybofey Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Buncrana Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Donegal Town PSC Centre |
PSC |
|
Dunfanaghy Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Dungloe Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Letterkenny Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Balbriggan Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Ballyfermot Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Ballymun Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Blanchardstown Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Clondalkin Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Coolock Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Cork St PPSN/PSC Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
D'Olier PPSN/PSC Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Dublin Central - Gardiner PPSN/PSC Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Dun Laoighre Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Kilbarrack Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Nutgrove Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Parnell Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Swords Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Tallaght Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Ballinasloe Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Clifden Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Galway Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Gort Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Loughrea Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Tuam Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Cahirciveen Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Dingle Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Kenmare Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Killarney Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Listowel Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Tralee Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Athy Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Newbridge Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Portarlington Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Portlaoise Branch Office |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Rathdowney Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon Intreo |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Manorhamilton Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Kilmallock Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Limerick Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Newcastle West Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Longford Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Drogheda Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Dundalk Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Achill Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Ballina Intre Centre |
PSC |
|
Ballinrobe Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Belmullet Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Castlebar Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Claremorris Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Swinford Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Westport Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Kells Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Navan Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Trim Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Castleblayney Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Monaghan PSC Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Birr Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Edenderry Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Tullamore Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Boyle Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Castlerea Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Roscommon Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Sligo Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Tubbercurry Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Cahir Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Carrick-on-Suir Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Clonmel Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Nenagh Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Roscrea Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Thurles Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Tipperary Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Dungarvan Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Waterford Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Athlone Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Mullingar Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Enniscorthy Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Gorey Branch Office |
PSC |
|
Wexford Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Arklow Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Baltinglass Intreo Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
|
Bray Intreo Centre |
PSC |
|
Wicklow PSC Centre |
PPSN and PSC |
257. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff assigned to each Intreo Centre and Branch Office, expressed in whole-time equivalents and broken down by grade, at 31 December 2024, at 31 December 2025 and at 1 July 2026; and the number of vacant posts at each such office at 1 July 2026, in tabular form. [66053/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department’s Intreo Centres form part of a regional structure whereby the organisation provides social welfare and related support services to citizens across the State.
The tables below (1-4) show the number of staff, expressed in full-time equivalents (FTEs) and broken down by grade, assigned to the Department's four regions at end December 2024, end December 2025 and end June 2026 (by Intreo Centre location). The number of vacant posts at end June 2026 is also shown. My Department is not in a position to provide historical data (2024/2025) by individual Intreo centre location.
In relation to the staff vacancies at Table 4, the Department manages its allocated resources as agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation under the Employment Control Framework and the annual budgetary process. Vacancies are filled using the various recruitment options including internal and external competitions, mobility and redeployment. TABLES [<ahref=[https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/caighdeanOifigiul/2026/2026-09-18_pq-257-17-09-2026_en.docx]</a>]
259. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person is eligible for the widow's pension when there is a safety order in place at the time of the death of their spouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66110/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person is eligible for the widows pension when there is a protection order in place at the time of the death of their spouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66109/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 261 together.
The Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2025 introduced the Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension, which replaced the Widow's, Widower's and Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension schemes.
There are no provisions in social welfare legislation that automatically disqualify a person from receiving a Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension because a protection order or safety order was in place at the time of their spouse's death.
However, entitlement to the payment is subject to all of the qualifying conditions being satisfied. In the case of a married couple, a surviving spouse does not qualify where the spouses had lived apart and were not in an intimate and committed relationship for a continuous period of at least two years immediately before the date of death of the deceased spouse.
Accordingly, while the existence of a protection order or safety order does not in itself determine entitlement, the circumstances of the case may be relevant in assessing whether the statutory conditions are met.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
260. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for a Public Services Card processed at each Intreo centre, branch office and dedicated PPSN and PSC centre in each of the years 2024, 2025 and in the period 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026, in tabular form. [66050/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of Public Services Cards issued in each of the years 2024, 2025 and in the period 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026 is shown in the table below. Statistics for the number of Public Services Cards issued are collated at the national level and it is not possible to break them down by region or by the Intreo Centre or Branch Office at which they applied for.
Please note that there was a large increase in Public Service Cards issued in 2025 due to the introduction of the Free Travel Companion (FT+C) Public Services Card in September 2025 for all Free Travel recipients aged 70 or over. This allows Free Travel recipients to bring a companion aged 16 or over with them for free when travelling. This resulted in a large number of PSC card renewals in 2025.
|
Year |
Public Services Cards Issued |
|
2024 |
901,593 |
|
2025 |
1,300,463 |
|
2026 |
429,148 |
262. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to allow for the purchase of AVCs or similar schemes as part of the auto enrolment pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66099/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contained a commitment to introduce the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System (AE). The aim of introducing AE was to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland and to provide workers with greater comfort and security regarding their retirement income.
The new system - known as MyFutureFund - commenced on the 1 January 2026 and it is overseen by the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA), which is a separate statutory body, independent of my Department and directly responsible for all operational elements of MyFutureFund. There are currently over 835,000 participants in MyFutureFund.
The current focus of NAERSA is on ensuring all employers comply with their obligations and participants realise the value and benefit of participation in MyFutureFund. In the medium term, officials from my Department and NAERSA will begin to look at various policy measures in relation to MyFutureFund. which may include options for individual participants to make additional contributions to their savings fund. I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
263. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons aged between 60 and 65 years-of-age who are in receipt of full carer’s allowance, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66098/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer’s Allowance is a payment for people who are caring for a person who needs full-time care and attention because of age, disability, or illness, including mental illness. Full-rate recipients have Carer's Allowance as their primary payment. Where a person is already receiving certain social welfare payments and meets all the qualifying conditions for Carer’s Allowance, they may retain their primary social welfare payment and receive a half-rate Carer’s Allowance in addition to their primary payment; this is known as the half-rate Carer's Allowance.
The number of persons aged 60 to 65 who are in receipt of full-rate Carer's Allowance at the end of December in each of the years 2022 to 2025, and at the end of August 2026, are provided in the table below.
Table 1: Full rate Carer's Allowance recipients aged 60 to 65, by year
|
Year |
Recipients |
|
2022 |
5,665 |
|
2023 |
5,982 |
|
2024 |
6,291 |
|
2025 |
6,758 |
|
2026 (end August) |
7,239 |
264. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware of a new online tool (details supplied) to assist people with income supports and information on same; if he could point to any available funding to maintain such an essential service, which is rapidly growing in it use to ensure it remains available to the public. [66129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department has developed MyWelfare, its customer facing self-service portal which enables individuals apply for schemes, manage claims, upload supporting documentation and request statements. While members of the public can access a number of calculators and estimators, and can apply online for many schemes, comprehensive eligibility-checking facilities are not available across the full range of social welfare schemes and services. Eligibility assessments and formal decisions are made by deciding officers with access to the complete range of information, evidence and data required to make an informed determination.
A comprehensive review into technical solutions designed to enhance the customer experience when searching for and assessing eligibility for available supports is currently undertaken by my Department. Upon completion of the analysis and feasibility phase of this work, my department will consider any proposals arising from the process and these will be carefully assessed.
More than 140 separate schemes and services are administered by my department, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. We are fully committed to ensuring that members of the public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services available, and to ensuring key changes are communicated to them.
Decisions around how information is circulated about schemes and services is informed by a range of criteria including the needs of our customers, the best channel to communicate any message, the cost and the resources available.
My Department funds the Citizens Information Board (CIB), which is a statutory agency tasked with providing independent, impartial, confidential, and non-judgmental information, advice, money advice and advocacy. CIB also acts as a signpost for people and provides information in local Citizens Information Centres, the Monday Advice and Budgetary Advice Service (MABS) and through the Citizens Information website as well as periodicals and publications. They have a dedicated resource on their website with information on topics such health, social welfare, housing, environmental grants and other services and supports and they provide guidance to people on their entitlements and how to apply for them. They do this in person and via their digital platform.
My Department also provides funding to INOU to support their work with, and on behalf of, unemployed people, including development of the annual ‘Working for Work’ publication, and training and research on unemployed people’s experiences. You can find more information here https://www.inou.ie/information/
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
265. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the financial supports currently available to assist low-income households with healthcare-related access costs, including travel and accommodation expenses associated with attending medical appointments or receiving treatment; if she will provide details of any eligibility criteria and application processes for such supports; if consideration is being given to expanding these supports in light of the increased cost burden on households accessing healthcare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66225/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Free Travel Scheme is available to everyone who is 66 or over, and to certain people who are under 66 in receipt of qualifying payments or who meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension and legally living permanently in the State.
From the 29th of July 2024, the Free Travel Scheme was extended to those who are deemed medically unfit to drive for greater than 12 months due to a medical condition.
As part of the Government measures announced in Budget 2025 a Free Travel Companion Pass was assigned to all those aged over 70. This measure ensured that all those over 70 can avail of a Free Travel Companion Pass automatically, which will enable them and a companion to travel for free on public transport services, LUAS and a range of services offered by up to 70 private operators in various parts of the country.
While over 1.1 million people have direct access to the Free Travel Scheme, with an estimated expenditure of €113.73 million in 2026, I understand that there will always be cases where people are not eligible for the scheme and cannot avail of free travel. It is for this reason that my Department provides support through the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
This can include assistance with transport and other essential costs incurred for attending hospital appointments where there are no other supports available. A travel supplement may be paid where a person has a recurring travel expense such as where a person has ongoing travel costs for hospital visits.
The decision process for Additional Needs Payments involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. This ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need.
In considering an Additional Needs Payment application, the Community Welfare Officer in addition to the assessment of the ability of the person to meet the need considers any alternatives available to the customer, including supports and services offered by the Health Service Executive. Additional Needs Payments are not generally intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via http://www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
266. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the current status of a carer’s allowance application for a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to be reached; and whether serious consideration will be given to the application due to the circumstances involved. [66201/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the current status of a carer’s allowance application for a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to be reached; and whether serious consideration will be given to the application due to the circumstances involved. [66199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
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.
I can confirm that two applications for CA were received from the person concerned on 28 August 2026.
The applications were referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) on 02 September 2026 to confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied. The SWI has confirmed that the applications will be prioritised and a letter has been issued to the person concerned inviting them to attend an interview this week.
Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made, and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
268. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of households in Offaly consisting of a person aged over 70 who are entitled to claim the Household Benefits Package; the number currently receiving the payment; and the number not in receipt of the payment, in tabular form. [66245/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package comprises the Electricity/Gas Allowance (€35 per month) and the Free Television Licence Scheme (€160 per year) – with a total value per year of €580.
The Household Benefits package is available to those aged 70 or over regardless of means and household composition, however there is no automatic entitlement to the payment and similar to many other Social Welfare benefits a person aged over 70 must submit an application form to determine entitlement.
To qualify for the Household Benefits Package applicants aged over 70 must be legally resident in the State and no other person in their household can be in receipt of the allowance.
Furthermore, the applicant must be the registered consumer of electricity/gas if she or he is applying for an Electricity Allowance or Natural Gas Allowance. The applicant must also register for the Public Services Card when requested to do so by the department.
The Department of Social Protection wants to ensure that everyone who may be entitled to the Household Benefits Package is aware of the scheme and understands how to apply. The Department encourages anyone who wishes to check their eligibility to the Household Benefits Package to call the helpline on 0818 200 400 and select the Household Benefits Package option.
At the end of August 2026 there were 6,269 distinct recipients of the Household Benefits Package aged 70 or over in Offaly.
The Department of Social Protection does not publish official statistics on estimated eligibility for the Household Benefits Package, given the methodological complexities and data gaps, which militate against the production of reliable estimates.
