Dara Calleary

Information for our members on the upcoming pension auto-enrollment and the responsibilities of employers under the scheme

Pension Contributions::To propose that credited social insurance contributions for Farm Assist recipients are provided, as is done for Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit.::Backdating Credits Pre-2007::To propose extending PRSI credit entitlements to farmers who were ineligible before…

Fair Deal Reform::To propose reducing the 5-year land/business transfer clause to 3 years to allow more farmers to benefit from the Fair Deal Scheme.::To propose that land leased under Fair Deal should be classed as “actively farmed” to meet succession criteria.::To propose…

To propose that the current rate of Class S is retained, and resist any increases until short-term benefits (illness, disability) are included in the scheme.

PRSI Inclusion for All Farmers and Spouses::To propose that all farmers and spouses/partners working on the farm, are to be included in the PRSI system to ensure entitlement to the contributory old age pension and reduce the risk of poverty in old age.::Dual Pension Calculation…

To propose that, as the Teagasc Green Cert Course is a crucial qualification for young farmers in Ireland. Approving these courses for SUSI Grants would encourage more students to pursue agricultural education.::To propose that, as per the Programme for Government, there must be…

General Employment Permits::To propose no further increases in GEP annual salary.::To propose the need for a full roll-out of a Seasonal work permit Scheme for all horticulture sectors based on the national minimum wage.::To propose that there are supports for rising employment…

To propose the introduction of an agricultural Rainy-Day Fund, which allows farmers from all sectors to put aside a small percentage of their gross receipts, whether in their co-op, specially assigned bank account or State Farm Volatility Fund.::To propose that the deferred…

Outlined the need for addtional Information Officers to deliver the Citizens Information Service across the country. Request made to Minister for Social Protection, Daire Calleary, TD and other elected representative present at the public launch held in Buswells hotel.

For an increase and extension of existing DSP funding for the Crosscare Food Poverty Case Work Service

Letter 22nd May 2025 seeking an opportunity to engage with the Minister and officials on issues of concern relating to the safeguarding of Social Welfare payments which are in Agency arrangements

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

Outlined some of the key concerns and recommendations around care and disability and employment

Prebudget submission for Kinship Care Ireland, highlighting asks of DSP for budget 2026 in relation to Kinship Care families. Prebudget forum attended thereafter with Treoir colleagues, opportunity to highlight DSP budget asks in front of Minister Dara Calleary and colleagues

Attended meeting with Minister Dara Calleary, hosted by TD Erin McGreehan, in attendance with Kinship Carer, Kinship Care Ireland, Treoir and Guardians payment, deciding officers. Intended outcome : awareness raising for new ministers, highlight challenges and in access to…