Monday 13 July 2026
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Local Public Representative for Cork North West Region

Email : johnpaul.oshea@oireachtas.ie

Members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development visited Belfast to meet with the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Communities.

Jun 30, 2026

Members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development visited Belfast to meet with the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Communities.

The cross‑border meeting took place at the Parliament Buildings in Stormont and focused on the four themes; energy poverty and retrofitting, anti‑poverty strategies, cost of disability and community and voluntary sector supports and sustainability.

 

The meeting offered a chance for Deputies, Senators and MLAs to exchange experiences, compare approaches, and share insights on issues that affect families and communities in both committees.. Each topic on the agenda are key challenges that affect individuals, families, and communities, and discussions centred on practical policies and ideas that can help improve people’s lives and support communities.

 

Following the engagement, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee, expressed his appreciation to Colm Gildernew and the NI Assembly Committee for Communities for hosting the visit. He highlighted that while systems and policies may differ, members on both sides share a common commitment: supporting the people and communities they represent.

 

Deputy O’Shea said “Whilst our systems and policies may differ, all committee Members are dedicated to supporting and improving the lives of people and communities whom we all represent. Thursday’s meeting provided an important forum to listen, learn and share insights and knowledge on some of the key issues impacting communities.”

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