Intent: Attended the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection to discuss our Pre Budget Submission 2026, and to answer questions from the Committee Members
Details: Pre-Budget Submission 2026
Intent: Requesting the B2C Allowance be made available for all foster carers, and not to means test them
Details: Communication to full Committee on Social Protection
Intent: To directly inform all relevant DPOs of Argos' decision to close all Argos stores and business operations in the Republic of Ireland.
Details: The closure of all our Argos stores and business operations in the Republic of Ireland.
Intent: To nominate an IFA Officer to the Department Steering Group to represent the interests of IFA members where the Rural Social Scheme policy is being decided.::The Rural Social Scheme has been running since 2004 and currently has just under 3,000 participants and an annual budget of some €52m. The scheme is delivered in accordance with the eligibility criteria, policy and guidelines laid down by the Department. The places are allocated to each local area covered by the Implementing Body (IB) based in the main on the proportion of persons in receipt of Farm Assist in that area.
Details: Rural Social Scheme (RSS)
Intent: Schedule meeting
Details: Seeking introductory meeting with DSP officials to explore co-operation; also seeking extension to feed into the public consultation, as we have not yet done so
Intent: To explore the Department the need for employment supports and services to be person centred and to unsure that they are matching the unemployed person, whether they are on a payment or not, to the most appropriate opportunity and outcome for them.
Details: INOU met with the Department of Social Protection to discuss in more detail matters raised at the bilateral meeting between the Department and the Community and Voluntary Pillar.
Intent: To debate with the DSP the impact of rising cost of living; the on-going challenge of income inadequacy; to secure better outcomes on issues affecting unemployed people and others reliant on social protection payments, supports and services; and progress on a range of policies under the Department's remit.
Details: As part of the Community & Voluntary Pillar, the INOU met with the Department of Social Protection. Amongst the issues discussed were employment supports and services post Covid-19; in-person Social Welfare Appeals; the rising cost of living; the cost of disability report; and the impact of the Ukra, ...
Intent: Ensure awareness of Ibec's budget priorities in the areas of labour market and social protection
Details: Budget priorities regarding labour market and social protection
Intent: Ensure awareness of Ireland's work on in-work benefits
Details: Labour market and social protection
Intent: To discuss policy issues regarding social inclusion.
Details: Attended a Department of Social Protection bilateral meeting as part of the Community and Voluntary Pillar Delegation
