Claire Kerrane

Outlined the need for addtional Information Officers to deliver the Citizens Information Service across the country. Intended result is increased funding from Department of Social Protection to employ additional Information Officers.

Introduction of measures to address food poverty in Budget 2026 including the extension of hot school meals to second level schools and the extension of the holiday hunger pilot.

To inform that the MESL analysis of the impact of Budget 2026 was published. To provide evidence based forecast of adequacy of social welfare rates, National Minimum Wage and in-work supports in 2026.

Disseminate a new research paper on the MESL needs of school age children, highlighting the additional costs associated with children aged 12 and over::Informing that new MESL research website is live, and updating links to research reports, publications, data, etc.::Announcing…

To seek support for FLAC's proposed amendments to the 2025 Bill

Back to School Allowance to be made available to all foster carers so that all children can access.

Discussions regarding our pre-budget submission 2026 asks.

Seeking amendments to the Social Welfare Bill specifically to bring forward the increase in the Carers Allowance income disregard announced in Budget 2025 from July 2025 to Jan 2025.::Quarterly bilateral meeting with officials in the Dept Social Protection – CV Pillar

To propose that, similar to recipients of the Jobseekers Benefit and Jobseekers Allowance, recipients of Farm Assist should receive credited social insurance contributions for pension purposes.::That Social insurance credits should be provided to farmers on Farm Assist before…

Ukraine Civil Society Forum sought to inform TDs of concerns related to the consequence of the legislation particularly for older people, those with a disability or other vulnerability.

To welcome the Long -Term Carers Contribution Scheme which will make it easier for those who have cared for over 20 years for an incapacitated person to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) when they reach pension age.

To inform that the MESL analysis of the impact of Budget 2024 was published::Provide evidence based forecast of adequacy of social welfare rates, National Minimum Wage and in-work supports in 2024

To inform that the publication of the MESL working paper 'The cost of adequately heating the home' was forthcoming and invite to a presentation of the findings.::Disseminate findings of MESL research and associated policy recommendations for reform of Fuel Allowance.

To inform about the publication of the annual Minimum Essential Standard of Living report and analysis, invite to attend annual MESL seminar, and provide overview of findings on the change in minimum living costs and impact on income adequacy.

To disseminate the findings of the MESL annual update report and the associated evidence-based policy recommendations in the Pre-Budget Submission