Michael Lowry

To highlight the impact of on-going budget cuts on the MABS service, including the following key information: - MABS has had a budget cut every year since 2018 - No investment in service development - Core services will potentially close in June 2025 - Core services are not…

For EAPN Ireland priorities and proposals for the next Government to be included in discussions on Government formation, for the next Government to commit to eradicating, not just alleviating, poverty, for all political parties and independent TDs to put ending poverty at the…

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…

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.::To propose that Social Insurance credits should be provided to farmers on Farm…

To propose that the 5-year land/business transfer clause is reduced to a maximum of three years to allow more farmers to benefit from the Fair Deal Scheme.::To propose that a new, statutory Home Support scheme needs to be introduced urgently and adequately funded to support…

To propose that with regards to General Employment Permits – there should be no increase in the current €30k annual salary requirement until a full review of salary targets is complete.::To highlight the need for a Seasonal work permit Scheme for all non-EU workers, similar to…

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.::To propose that the Total Contribution Approach (TCA) for calculating Contributory…

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.

Raise awareness and generate support for an increase in the State Pension.

Awaiting a result

• In the means test for Farm Assist, the depreciation rate for farm equipment and machinery should be increased to a standard rate of 10% to more accurately reflect the useful life of these assets.::• The income disregards for agri-environmental schemes, included in the means…

Individuals on Disability Benefit participate on Tus::Participants over the age 63 to stay on Tus till retirement age, rather than having to leave after one year and face the prospect of never egtting work in the future::Young people under 25 remain on Tus for a minimum of 2…

To secure more inclusive, constructive and well resourced social protection, education and training and employment policies and outcomes.

Ensure understanding of employers concerns regarding the proposed legislation

Reversal of changes to the State Pension system in 2012 that introduced a number of new qualifying bands and resulted in greatly reduced pensions for many older people.::Extend the Homemakers’ Scheme to cover years of caring prior to 1994.