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.
10th June meeting in Goldsmith House. Items discussed included: Budget 2027 considerations, means testing review, new proposals on the working age payment and targeted child payment, fuel allowance and disability. - Meeting
Intent: To disseminate the findings of the MESL annual update report and the associated evidence-based policy recommendations in the Pre-Budget Submission
Details: Disseminate annual Minimum Essential Standard of Living report and associated pre-budget submission policy recommendations
Attended the National Economic Dialogue, discussing MESL findings on needs for children, working-age and older adults. - Event / ReceptionEmail sent on 9th June to inform of upcoming publication of MESL 2026 report and Budget 2027 recommendations, and to invite to MESL seminar - EmailMESL seminar held on 18th JuneIncluded presentation from MESL Research Team on the cost of a MESL in 2026, giving an overview of the: - change in cost of the minimum essentials required to live with dignity - cumulative impact of inflation since 2020 on minimum living costs and income adequacy - assessment of adequacy of social welfare supports - examination of the impact of services and in-work supports - outlining key policy recommendations for Budget 2027. - Event / Reception
Intent: Permanent and regular cost of disability is implemented.
Details: Advocated that it is imperative that a permanent and regular cost of disability payment is available to people living with additional costs in relation to their disability.
Intent: A permanent and regular cost of disability payment is implemented.
Details: Advocated that is it imperative that a permanent and regular cost of disability payment is available to people living with additional costs in relation to their disability.
Intent: To advocate the Autistic community's likelihood of experiencing poverty and their needs arising from that as the Department looks to work on the cost of disability.
Details: Workshop with the Department of Social Protection on the Cost of Disability
Intent: To express concern about the measures in Budget 2026 for Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) and how increases will be applied to employers with more than 2 WSS employees
Details: Attendance at DSP Consultative Forum and discussion with Ministerial Adviser and DSP officials about Wage Subsidy Scheme
Emer Costello attended the Disability Consultative Forum in DSP offices on 2 December and outlined concerns about the Budgetary measures regarding WSS - Event / Reception
