Menu
30/08/2017
Doherty Criticised For Not Seeking More From Budget For Carers And Others
The Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, has been criticised for stating that she would not seek an increase in the Budget for carers, people with disabilities and the unemployed.
Making the criticism, Labour spokesperson on Social Protection, Ged Nash, said: "Another summer is drawing to a close, and once again we've had a number of kites flown by Government Ministers about what will be in the Budget. I was shocked to hear that the Minister for Social Protection will not be seeking any increases to a raft of weekly social welfare payments apart from the pension when she meets with the Finance Minister.
"A fortnight ago Minister Doherty said her priority will be to help lone parents and children. At the weekend just gone we heard she would be demanding a €5 increase in the old age pension.
"At this stage it's hard to know what she wants to do, but it appears she is prepared to ignore the needs of carers, disabled and unemployed recipients of social welfare payments.
"The Minister for Social Protection has been flip flopping back and forth as to what will be delivered but has made clear that most social welfare payments won't be increased.
"The Labour Party will be proposing that increases to social welfare payments be at a minimum linked to the rate of inflation to preserve their real value. I would encourage Minister Doherty to make the same case in this year's budget negotiations."
(MH)
Making the criticism, Labour spokesperson on Social Protection, Ged Nash, said: "Another summer is drawing to a close, and once again we've had a number of kites flown by Government Ministers about what will be in the Budget. I was shocked to hear that the Minister for Social Protection will not be seeking any increases to a raft of weekly social welfare payments apart from the pension when she meets with the Finance Minister.
"A fortnight ago Minister Doherty said her priority will be to help lone parents and children. At the weekend just gone we heard she would be demanding a €5 increase in the old age pension.
"At this stage it's hard to know what she wants to do, but it appears she is prepared to ignore the needs of carers, disabled and unemployed recipients of social welfare payments.
"The Minister for Social Protection has been flip flopping back and forth as to what will be delivered but has made clear that most social welfare payments won't be increased.
"The Labour Party will be proposing that increases to social welfare payments be at a minimum linked to the rate of inflation to preserve their real value. I would encourage Minister Doherty to make the same case in this year's budget negotiations."
(MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 October 2011
Welfare Fraud Crackdown Continues
An Oireachtas committee will meet today to discuss current and future proposals to tackle social welfare fraud. The Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education will meet will discuss ways to stop people from fraudulently claiming benefits to which they are not entitled.
Welfare Fraud Crackdown Continues
An Oireachtas committee will meet today to discuss current and future proposals to tackle social welfare fraud. The Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education will meet will discuss ways to stop people from fraudulently claiming benefits to which they are not entitled.
25 July 2011
Booklet Tackles Irish Unemployment
An initiative to tackle Irish unemployment has been rolled out today. The 'Working for Work' booklet, published by the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU), was launched today by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton.
Booklet Tackles Irish Unemployment
An initiative to tackle Irish unemployment has been rolled out today. The 'Working for Work' booklet, published by the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU), was launched today by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton.
25 April 2013
State Being Sued Over Alleged Witness Protection Failures
A man is suing the State over alleged failures to give him a new identity and a new home as part of the witness protection programme. It is claimed that David Mooney now lives in fear for his life, cannot work, has been refused social welfare and cannot use his PPS number after his involvement in a witness protection programme in 2002.
State Being Sued Over Alleged Witness Protection Failures
A man is suing the State over alleged failures to give him a new identity and a new home as part of the witness protection programme. It is claimed that David Mooney now lives in fear for his life, cannot work, has been refused social welfare and cannot use his PPS number after his involvement in a witness protection programme in 2002.
24 January 2012
Cowen Criticises Welfare Clampdown
Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen has criticised new plans that would see people claiming unemployment benefits given limited periods of time to get off the Live Register. Mr Burton said the plan by the social protection Minister Joan Burton presented existing control measures as a ‘crackdown’ on the unemployed.
Cowen Criticises Welfare Clampdown
Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen has criticised new plans that would see people claiming unemployment benefits given limited periods of time to get off the Live Register. Mr Burton said the plan by the social protection Minister Joan Burton presented existing control measures as a ‘crackdown’ on the unemployed.
06 June 2018
Govt Will Not Consider Means Testing Child Benefit
The government is not considering means testing Child Benefit, the Employment Affairs and Social Protection Minister, Regina Doherty, has confirmed. Minister Doherty said: "I do not intend introducing a means-test for Child Benefit. Means testing Child Benefit is not being considered by Government, and is not in the Programme for Government.
Govt Will Not Consider Means Testing Child Benefit
The government is not considering means testing Child Benefit, the Employment Affairs and Social Protection Minister, Regina Doherty, has confirmed. Minister Doherty said: "I do not intend introducing a means-test for Child Benefit. Means testing Child Benefit is not being considered by Government, and is not in the Programme for Government.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
