John Paul O'Shea

Fine Gael · Cork North-West

Activity on Social Protection — 154 events (16 lobbying · 138 questions · 0 votes) full profile →

• 2026-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of carer's allowance who are over the age of 66 years and providing full-time care for a son or daughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22935/26]
• 2026-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of reducing the minimum hours requirement under the wage subsidy scheme from 15 hours to 10 hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22936/26]
• 2026-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider making the bereaved partner’s (contributory) pension a qualifying payment for the household benefits package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21603/26]
• 2026-03-18
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of people in receipt of carer’s allowance for each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18375/26]
• 2026-03-18
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of carer’s allowance reviews carried out in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18376/26]
• 2026-03-18
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the position in relation to reviews of carer’s allowance carried out in 2026; specifically if a carer is reviewed and is slightly over the current income limits but will be under the new income limits for carer’s allowance which take effect in July will their payment be impacted or will the Department apply some discretion in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18377/26]
• 2026-02-26
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of individuals currently in receipt of jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit in Cork and Limerick, with particular focus on Intreo areas such as Mallow, Newmarket, Macroom and Kilmallock; the most recent trends in these figures over the past 12 months; the supports and activation measures in place locally, such as training, employment services and community programmes, to promote sustained employment in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14225/26]
• 2026-02-26
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the current average processing times for carer's allowance; the steps his Department is taking to reduce delays and barriers faced by applicants in applying for this payment; the plans in place to deal with increased applications post July 2026 when the latest changes to the carer's allowance scheme come into place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14226/26]
• 2026-02-25
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider additional funding for Citizens Information Services so they can hire additional staff to meet the significant unmet demand for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15354/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received under the work and access scheme in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of applications approved in each of these years to date; the amount expended on the scheme in the same respective time periods, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11667/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications made for each of the respective seven supports under the work and access scheme to date; the number of these applications approved; the number declined; the number pending a decision; the amount expended under each support to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11668/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of employees and employers currently utilising and benefiting from the wage subsidy scheme; the number of employers availing of strand 2 and strand 3 of the scheme; if an increase in the overall number utilising the scheme has occurred since the minimum weekly hours threshold was reduced in April 2024; and if so, the details of any such increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11669/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the breakdown, by employer size, (micro, small, medium and large) accessing, respectively, the work and access and wage subsidy schemes administered by his Department; the details of the supports provided to each employer category, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11670/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if numbers and details of use of the wage subsidy scheme and the work and access scheme, and the associated supports are monitored by his Department; if such statistics are or will be published on a routine basis; if so, to give details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11671/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will conduct a review of the means test disregards for farm assist, with a view to better rewarding farmers who avail of the scheme for enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of sick days taken by staff in his Department for each of the years 2022 to 2025; the average days lost per employee for each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8161/26]
• 2026-02-04
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which the public can opt in to the auto enrolment retirement savings system, My Future Fund which is operational since 1 January 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8335/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people, by county, who availed of their entitlement under the treatment benefit scheme in respect of the €500 grant towards a hearing aid in each year 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7157/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people, by county, who availed of their entitlement under the treatment benefit scheme in respect of optical support, broken down by free eye tests, free glasses and grants towards contact lenses for each of the years 2020-2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7158/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people, by county, who availed of their entitlement under the treatment benefit scheme in respect of the €500 grant for wigs for each of the years 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7159/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people, by county, who availed of their entitlement under the treatment benefit scheme in respect of dental work for each of the years 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7160/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he can provide the latest breakdown, by county, of the number of employers who have signed up to auto enrolment; the total number of employees that have been enrolled, by county; the overall value of contributions collected to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7161/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when the My Future Fund app will be launched in order that people can track their contributions and savings pot online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7162/26]
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Community Platform Community

  • Emailed a letter to the Deputy John Paul O’Shea, Chair of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development requesting that they hold a meeting on Poverty on the week of the 17th October UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
• 2026-01-21
  LOBBY
  Society of St. Vincent de Paul Social Protection

  • Engagement with Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development
• 2026-01-20
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider changing the maximum hours a person can work (currently 18.5 hours per week) when qualifying for carer's allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3742/26]
• 2026-01-17
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA Social Protection

  • Farm Assist Scheme Reform
• 2026-01-16
  LOBBY
  ALONE Social Protection

  • Meeting request to members of Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection
• 2026-01-16
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 6 returns Social Protection

  • Fair Deal & Older People in Rural Areas
  • Social Protection Measures - Class S PRSI Contributions
  • Social Protection Measures - State Pension Access & Equity
  • Social Protection Measures - Agricultural Education & Youth Participation
  • IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Social Protection Measures - Cost of Employment
  • Income Volatility Measures for All Agricultural Sectors
• 2026-01-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of individuals in Cork per Intreo area currently in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance and jobseeker’s benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1241/26]
• 2026-01-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the current average processing times for disability related payments for applicants in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1242/26]
• 2025-12-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is concerned that the youth unemployment rate of 13.4% is almost treble the national unemployment rate of 4.9%; if he will consider introducing new programmes or amending existing programmes to assist young people into work; if he is satisfied with uptake of the work placement experience scheme in light of these figures; if he will confirm the number of people aged under 24 who have been on unemployment payments for a year or longer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73101/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has received any complaints from schools or parents in relation to the hot school meals programme; the approximate number of complaints received; if he will provide a general summary of the concerns and issues raised; if specific concerns have been raised in relation to the nutritional value of meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71741/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the names of all suppliers currently involved in the delivery of hot school meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71742/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the types of businesses providing hot school meals and the flexibility that is allowed under the procurement guidelines; if local restaurants and supermarkets are providing hot school meals as well as larger national providers; if the preference is for locally sourced meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71733/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if Meals on Wheels are being utilised to deliver hot school meals in rural communities that are not being catered for by larger providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71734/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has received the report in relation to the nutritional standards for school meals; if this report has examined the menus being offered by suppliers; if it has identified significant variances in terms of meal quality between suppliers; when he intends to publish the report and its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71735/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if all primary schools nationwide are now in receipt of hot school meals; the overall number of schools now receiving a hot school meal; the number of primary schools who are not yet receiving a hot school meal and the reasons for this; the total number of suppliers providing hot school meals nationwide; the total number of pupils benefiting from hot school meals; the total cost of the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71736/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps his Department is taking to address food waste under the hot school meals programme; his views on whether this is a widespread issue with the programme; the specific changes that have been introduced to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71737/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if recyclable packaging is being used in the provision of all hot school meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71738/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people on a long-term unemployment payment who received a Christmas bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71739/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have applied for and availed of pay related benefit, by county to date; the average payment rate under the scheme to dater; the average duration of claims to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71740/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made in relation to the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 – 2030, which commits to establish a strategic focus network on the cost of disability; if this group has been established; the Departments and agencies involved; the number of meetings held to date; if people with disabilities and advocate groups will have input into this work; the timeline for completion of this work; when is a proposal expected to be brought to Government for consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71743/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the monetary deduction an employee on the average industrial wage will see in their pay packet in January for their contribution to auto enrolment; if the value of the minimum wage increase for low paid workers will offset the contribution for auto enrolment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71744/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if there will be a user friendly online system where employees can view their auto enrolment pot growing; if this will take account of investment performance or just the employer, employee and State contribution; his views on whether this will be an important tool so that employees can see and clearly understand the benefits of their contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71745/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have had the penalty rate of €90 imposed on their jobseeker’s payment for failure to engage with activation services since it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71746/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of newborn grants provided, by county since the introduction of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71747/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of a widows pension who are under age 66; the estimated cost of allowing persons in receipt of widow’s pensions to access illness benefit in the event that they get sick at work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71748/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when he plans to publish draft proposals for consultation on the new working age payment which will ensure that inconsistencies within the social welfare system which disincentivise work are removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71749/25]
• 2025-12-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have availed of parents benefit; the breakdown of the number of mothers and the number of fathers who have availed of parent’s benefit; his views on whether further steps can be taken to encourage greater uptake of parent’s benefit; the position in relation to pay related parents benefit in each of the years 2022 to 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71750/25]
• 2025-11-26
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given by his Department to recognise long Covid as an occupational illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66712/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if jobseekers benefit payments for the month of August will be awarded to a substitute teacher (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63015/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection for clarity in relation to employees who currently have private pension arrangements or AVC’s in place which are not directly coming out of their wages; if these employees have a choice whether or not to enrol in the auto-Enrolment My Future Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63709/25]
• 2025-11-12
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a breakdown of the number of people in receipt of jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit, per Intreo area, and per age group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62143/25]
• 2025-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if the UK social insurance record of a person in County Kerry (details supplied) was used in assessing their rate of State pension (contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58308/25]
• 2025-11-04
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person in County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59993/25]
• 2025-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if the social insurance contributions of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57200/25]
• 2025-09-25
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for phasing out the means test entirely for the carer’s allowance during the lifetime of this Government, as per the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51028/25]
• 2025-09-25
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he plans to make changes to the community employment scheme to encourage more participants into the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50773/25]
• 2025-09-25
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the projected number of recipients to benefit from the fuel allowance payment in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50772/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the recipients of the fuel allowance, by county, in tabular form; his plans to expand the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50641/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employers that have availed of the wage subsidy scheme for the years 2020 to 2025 respectively; the number of people with disabilities who benefitted from this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50655/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection further to the re-launch of the wage subsidy scheme this year, the number of employers in the community and voluntary sector and commercial State-sponsored sector have taken up the scheme; the number of people with disabilities who directly benefitted from the inclusion of these sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50656/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have availed of the Work Placement Experience Programme for the years 2020-2025; the benefits that are offered as part of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50657/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number who have accessed the work and access scheme for 2024 and 2025; the amount allocated as part of this scheme; if plans are in place to expand the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50660/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have accessed the WorkAbility programme since it was established in December 2023; the benefits of the programme; if the programme is on target to support over 13,000 disabled people progress their training and employment ambitions over its lifetime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50661/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of partial capacity benefit for the years 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50662/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of disability allowance for the years 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50663/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he plans to increase the wage subsidy scheme rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50854/25]
• 2025-09-20
  LOBBY
  Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) Social Protection

  • Bereaved Partner’s Bill 2025
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Irish Rural Link Co-Operative Society Limited Budgetary matters

  • Presented Irish Rural Link Pre-Budget Submission to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection and Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
• 2025-09-18
  LOBBY
  The Wheel Community

  • Policy staff from The Wheel were invited to address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development regarding our Pre-Budget Submission 2026.
• 2025-09-17
  LOBBY
  European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland Social Protection

  • Emails to Members of the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community & Local Development requesting to put combatting poverty at the top of the committees agenda, with particular reference to income adequacy, accessible public services & measures targeted at the most disadvantaged groups
• 2025-09-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if measures will be introduced to expand employment opportunities for deaf and disabled individuals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49158/25]
• 2025-09-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if funding and supports will be allocated to organisations such as a charity (details supplied), which is the largest employer of deaf people in Ireland, employing 40 staff, 29 of whom are deaf or disabled, and which currently has a waiting list of applicants seeking meaningful employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49160/25]
• 2025-09-16
  LOBBY
  Care Alliance Ireland Social Protection

  • Sent Pre-Budget Submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection. This Submission was invited by the Committee as part of the annual Pre-Budget process. We have registered this lobbying with each member of the Committee out of an abundance of caution.
• 2025-09-11
  LOBBY
  Simon Communities of Ireland Social Protection

  • Appearance before Joint Committee on Social Protection
• 2025-08-22
  LOBBY
  Polio Survivors Ireland Social Protection

  • Wrote to the Joint Committee on Social Protection
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the number of persons that have availed of parents benefit in 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; the number of mothers and the number of fathers who have availed of parent’s benefit in each of these years; if he believes further steps can be taken to encourage greater uptake of parent’s benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39920/25]
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance for 24 months or longer, by county; if he will confirm when he intends to publish a new employment strategy focused on intensive engagement with those most distant from the labour market as committed in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39921/25]
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons that have benefitted since the minimum required hours under the wage subsidy scheme was reduced from 21 hours to 15 hours in April 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39922/25]
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when he plans to publish draft proposals for consultation on the new working age payment, which will ensure that inconsistencies within the social welfare system, which disincentivise work, are removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39923/25]
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons over 66 who have qualified for the fuel allowance since the expanded means test for over 66s was introduced, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39924/25]
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of a widows pension who are under age 66; if he will provide an estimated cost of allowing persons in receipt of widow’s pensions to access illness benefit in the event that they get sick at work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/25]
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of extending the period of a social welfare payment following the death of a dependent from 6 to12 weeks as committed in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39926/25]
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of extending illness benefit to the self-employed; if he will outline the estimated increase in PRSI rates which would be required to meet this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39927/25]
• 2025-07-16
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who retires from employment at the age of 65 is entitled to receive jobseeker’s pay related benefit until they reach the age of 66; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40152/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of children who would benefit from extending the free travel pass to families in receipt of the domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38985/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have been in receipt of a jobseeker’s allowance payment for two years or longer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38986/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have been in receipt of a jobseeker’s allowance payment for five years or longer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38987/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of carer’s allowance in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38988/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of people in receipt of fuel allowance in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38989/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the cost of a €1 increase in each of his Department’s payment schemes, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38990/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of a €1 increase in jobseekers’ payments; the cost of a €10 increase in jobseekers’ payments; the cost of a €12 increase in jobseekers’ payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38991/25]
• 2025-07-15
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people, by county, who have availed of jobseeker’s pay-related benefit since it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38992/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of extending access to the State pension to foster carers so that they can receive contributions for time spent caring for vulnerable children; if the Minister has commenced work on this Programme for Government commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37522/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of self-employed people who have availed of carer's benefit since it was extended to the self-employed; if he can provide a breakdown by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37523/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of extending the fuel allowance to working family payment recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37524/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of applications received by his Department under the humanitarian assistance scheme in respect of Storm Éowyn; if he will confirm the total value of applications received and the total value of applications approved; if he will provide a breakdown of the number of applications approved, by county, and the number refused, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37525/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the average processing time for applications under each payment scheme in his Department; and how this compares with the Department's own targets for processing times for each payment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37526/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of live social welfare appeals which have been waiting for a decision for one year or longer; if he can provide a breakdown by payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37527/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the number of oral hearings held by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in each of the years 2015 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37528/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the ESRI's proposal for a second tier of child benefit; his views on whether the ESRI's proposal could give rise to work disincentives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37529/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if some families currently in receipt of the working family payment would receive a lower payment under the ESRI proposal for a second tier of child benefit; if his Department has any estimates on the number of families who could see their payment reduced under this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37530/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on whether changes to expand the working family payment and the child support payment could be more effective at reducing child poverty than introducing a second tier of child benefit; if his Department has carried out any analysis in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37531/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the child poverty rate according to the survey on income and living conditions for each year 2005 to 2025, in tabular form; if he will further outline progress on reaching the current child poverty target of 2.8%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37532/25]
• 2025-07-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if an accommodation recognition payment overpayment to a person in County Kerry (details supplied) will be reviewed given the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37580/25]
• 2025-07-03
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of a decision on a carer’s allowance application by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36838/25]
• 2025-07-01
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if parents of Irish babies born through surrogacy can avail of the newborn baby grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35206/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of families in each county that have received the baby boost grant since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32239/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount of social welfare overpayments identified by his Department for each of the years 2014 to 2024; the amount that has been recouped to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32349/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of individuals who received an overpayment from his Department for each of the years 2014 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32350/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of individuals identified by his Department who have received an overpayment in excess of €50,000 in each of the years 2014 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32351/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a breakdown, by county, of the number of people who have received the free travel pass since it was extended to persons who are medically unable to drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32352/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a breakdown, by county, of the number of persons over 70 who have qualified for the fuel allowance since the means test for over 70s was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32353/25]
• 2025-06-17
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a breakdown, by county, of the number of people who will receive an increase in their carer's allowance payment when the changes to the means test takes effect in July 2025; if he will outline the overall percentage of carer's allowance recipients who will now qualify for the maximum weekly payment on foot of the changes in July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32791/25]
• 2025-06-12
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person in County Kerry (details supplied) who is caring for their elderly parents and in receipt of the carer’s support grant for the past five years has to reapply in respect of their father; if the requirement to reapply will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31450/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who will receive the carers support grant in June 2025; if he will provide a county breakdown of the number of people who will receive the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29073/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection for a breakdown of the current number of persons in receipt of jobseeker's allowance, by county and nationality of recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29795/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection for a breakdown of child benefit paid to persons living in countries other than Ireland, by country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29796/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of disability allowance for the years 2020 to 2025, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29799/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of invalidity pension for the years 2020 to 2025, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29800/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of blind pension in the country for the years 2020 to 2025, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29801/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of disablement benefit for the years 2020 to 2025, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29803/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of injury benefit for the years 2020 to 2025, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29804/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of illness benefit in the country for the years 2020 to 2025, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29805/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of domiciliary care allowance for the years 2020 to 2025, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29806/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance for the years 2020 to 2024, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29807/25]
• 2025-05-29
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused the farm assist payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28849/25]
• 2025-05-28
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a rent supplement application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry following the submission of additional information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28347/25]
• 2025-05-27
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline his plans to scale up control measures to tackle abuse of social welfare payments, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27123/25]
• 2025-05-27
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to reform the disability allowance payment and remove anomalies in the current means test for the payment as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27124/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a breakdown of all primary schools now in receipt of the Hot School Meals Programme, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26212/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on plans to introduce pay related parents benefit; for an estimated cost for this extension if it was modelled on the same payment rates which apply to jobseekers pay related benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26213/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the roll out of the companion pass to all over 70s from September 2025; when his Department will be engaging with over 70s on how they can obtain the pass; if the pass will be issued automatically to persons over 70; if he will provide an estimate on the number of people by county who will benefit from this extension of the companion pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26214/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the planned work programme over the next seven months to ensure that auto enrolment is operational on 1 January 2026; if he will confirm when the board of the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority will be appointed; when he expects the tender process for investment managers to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26215/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26314/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26318/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26336/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a carers support grant application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26337/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a carers allowance review in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26344/25]
• 2025-05-21
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a request by a person (details supplied), to further backdate his State pension contributory award on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26352/25]
• 2025-05-13
  LOBBY
  Cork Chamber Health

  • Cork Chamber meeting with Fine Gael TDs to discuss essential social protection and health policies and how they will positively impact city centre living and urban regeneration
• 2025-05-13
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the roadmap for phasing out the carer's allowance means test, as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23772/25]
• 2025-05-13
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the comprehensive review of means tests across the social welfare system, as committed in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23773/25]
• 2025-05-13
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a breakdown, by county, of the number of people who have been in receipt of jobseeker's allowance payment for 12 months or longer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23774/25]
• 2025-05-13
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when he plans to publish draft proposals for consultation on the new working age payment which will ensure that inconsistencies within the social welfare system which disincentivise work are removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23775/25]
• 2025-05-01
  LOBBY
  European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland Social Protection

  • Emailed letter to John Paul O'Shea as the new Chairperson of Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection with follow up emails
• 2025-04-08
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made regarding carer's allowance for a person (details supplied) which has been under appeal since December 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17296/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when he plans to make the changes to the carer’s allowance means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11429/25]
• 2025-02-27
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an update on the roll-out of the newborn baby grants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8596/25]
• 2025-02-11
  PQ
  Asked Social

  Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider allowing PRSI class D contributions to be reckonable for invalidity pension purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4027/25]
• 2025-01-20
  LOBBY
  The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities Social Protection

  • Emailed a number of DPOs to inform them of the issues facing the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) and to ask for support with our call on Government to include a reference to committing to adequately resourcing NAS to ensure equal access to independent advocacy in the Programme for Government.
• 2025-01-02
  LOBBY
  Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed Social Protection

  • Key General Election issues for people who are unemployed, distanced from the labour market, and people working on these issues, calling on all political parties and people standing in the forthcoming General Election to ensure adequate levels of income; improve welfare to work supports; provide quality training and education; enhance labour market programmes; accessible and decent jobs; supportive employment services; and inclusive technological change.