Mayo public asked to submit views on social welfare discussion document
Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has launched a discussion document and consultation process on a potential new targeted child payment, as well as a potential new working age payment in Ireland.
This consultation is in keeping with Programme for Government commitments.
The proposed new payments aim to reduce child poverty through establishing a standalone weekly payment for low-income families with children, and to remove ‘cliff-edges’ in payments which discourage people from taking up additional work.
The draft proposals for the introduction of the two proposed payments are contained in a ‘Discussion Document.’
The proposals in the Discussion Document are ideas as to how any new payments could be implemented and aim to gather views from the public.
No decisions have yet been made as to what changes, if any, will be made to the social welfare system. Ultimately, informed by this consultation the Government may decide to: not make any changes; keep the existing system, but change some of the rules of the existing payments; or introduce a more fundamental reform based on discussions and feedback.
Minister Calleary said:
“Our existing social welfare system has been consistently one of the most effective in the EU at reducing poverty, so it is important we examine all options when considering any changes. To this end, this discussion paper sets out our current system; provides some arguments both for and against making changes; and suggests ideas designed to generate discussion around such changes.
“I am keen to hear the views of stakeholders on this discussion document, but I am also open to other ideas about how the system might be improved to address child poverty and support low-income households.”
Today’s publication of the Discussion Document sets out the broad parameters of one potential approach for a new targeted child payment and a new working age payment.
The final designs of both potential new payments will be considered following the consultation process. The existing Child Benefit payment will remain unchanged and will not be impacted by the introduction of any potential new payments.
Submissions are invited from all interested stakeholders, including workers, jobseekers, employers, and representative organisations, particularly those advocating for the rights of children and families, and should be forwarded by email to WACPConsultation@welfare.ie
The closing date for submission is 5 p.m. on June 12, 2026.