Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development to discuss Potential New Working Age and Targeted Child Payments

The Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, 20 May, at 9:30am in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House to discuss Potential New Working Age and Targeted Child Payments with officials from the Department of Social Protection.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy John Paul O’Shea said: “The Programme for Government includes commitments to explore two schemes: a new targeted child payment and a new working age payment. The Department of Social Protection recently launched a public consultation and published a related discussion document which explains one possible way to meet those commitments.

“This meeting provides an opportunity for Committee members to engage with Departmental officials on the Discussion Document and the potential new payments. These are significant social protection measures with wide-ranging impacts.

“The Committee is eager to explore the proposals as outlined, potential implications and effects. This is just one suggested approach and the Department through the public consultation are seeking views and feedback on what form any such payments may take. The Committee looks forward to reviewing and contributing to what is a significant discussion that has the potential to impact individuals and families across the country.”

The Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.