O’Shea Appointed As Chair of Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development

Cork Nort West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has recently been appointed by An Tanaiste Simon Harris, TD as Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development.

Speaking after his appointment, Deputy O’Shea said “These are two Departments I have a very keen interest in, so I am looking forward to hitting the ground running with the work of this committee over the coming weeks. There is a lot of work to be undertaken by the committee on Social Protection matters. We have seen the recent delay on the implementation of auto enrolment for example. I want to hear from the Minister about this and ensure it will come into effect now in Jan 2026. It is essential plans to introduce auto-enrolment proceed in order to ensure our young people have adequate pension cover. There is also the commitment in the Programme for Government to address the means test for the Carer’s Allowance. The Programme for Government states that – the Government will continue to significantly increase the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government. I want the committee to start this work and see how we can do this for our Carers”.

Deputy O’Shea added “In terms of the work on the committee for the Department of Rural and Community Development, I am very keen on looking at Ireland’s rural development policy for the period 2026-2030 which is currently out for public consultation. The last Policy “Our Rural Future” lead by Heather Humphreys was a tremendous success and we need to do more for Rural Ireland – particularly addressing vacancy and dereliction in our towns and villages”.

Deputy O’Shea has also been appointed as a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight which will be responsible for reviewing and scrutinizing government budgets, spending policies, and fiscal matters. The committee plays an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in public finances. Deputy O’Shea has also been appointed as a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Drug Use which examines drugs policy and legislation.

Deputy O’Shea concluded “It is an honour to be part of any Oireachtas committee and with that honour comes important obligations; to scrutinise draft legislation and the work of Ministers and Government departments, as well as to advise on policy issues and to engage with stakeholders. New ideas which can better serve us are often teased out or identified at committee hearings. They form an important part of our democracy”.