Fiona Ward

Intent: Explore if existing DSP programmes could support the Work Ready Programme

Details: To discuss the Work Ready Programme operated by Rehab Enterprises which works with employers to integrate people with disabilities into the work place and supports employers’ diversity and inclusion goals.

Intent: To discuss with the Department of Social Protection key issues of concern for the INOU including on-going changes to social welfare system; key policy and practice developments including means testing.

Details: Bilateral meeting of the CVP and Dept. Social Protection took place. It covered Budget 2026, benchmarking social welfare payments, DSP update on the upcoming Social Inclusion Strategy, energy and food poverty, targeted child benefit payments, the EU Presidency, cost of disability, working age paymen, ... Read more

Intent: Our asks will be considered by Government to increase core social welfare rates and other rates to ensure low income households have an adequate income.::Attended break-out room on Ireland's EU Presidency in second half of 2026 and ensure Poverty, social inclusion and Ireland's social values and social cohesion are included on Ireland's agenda.

Details: Attended the Department of Social Protection Pre-Budget Forum. Attended breakout room and put forward our asks for Budget 2026 in terms of Social Protection

Intent: Attended the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection to discuss our Pre Budget Submission 2026, and to answer questions from the Committee Members

Details: Pre-Budget Submission 2026

Intent: Requesting the B2C Allowance be made available for all foster carers, and not to means test them

Details: Communication to full Committee on Social Protection

Intent: To discuss with the Department of Social Protection key issues of concern for the INOU including on-going changes to social welfare system; key policy and practice developments including means testing.

Details: In June, as part of the Community and Voluntary Pillar, the INOU attended a bilateral meeting with the Department of Social Protection. The agenda included Programme for Government; Child Poverty; and updates on a range of issues including key policies like Pathways to Work; Roadmap for Social Inclu, ... Read more

Intent: Update and discussion on policy developments

Details: Community and Voluntary Pillar Bilateral Meeting with the Department of Social Protection

Intent: To discuss with the Department of Social Protection key issues of concern for the INOU including the appropriate benchmarking of working age payments; inclusive budgetary processes; review of means testing; on-going changes to social welfare system; DSP incorporation of Public Sector Human Rights and Equality Duty.

Details: In December, as part of the Community and Voluntary Pillar, the INOU attended a bilateral meeting with the Department of Social Protection. The agenda included value of core social welfare rates since 2020; discussion on adequacy of payments and Budget decisions; updates on DSP work on benchmarking , ... Read more

Intent: Update and discussion on policy developments as part of regular bilaterals between Pillar and Department.

Details: Community and Voluntary Pillar Bilateral Meeting with the Department of Social Protection

Intent: Get update on the progress of the review and what improvements can be made to the Rural Social Scheme

Details: Irish Rural Link sit on the Review Group of the Rural Social Scheme. Meeting of the group took place to discuss findings of survey and progress of the review