Views on Single Working Age Payment needed immediately

SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENT CHANGE | END-OF-FEBRUARY DEADLINE FOR REPORT TO OIREACHTAS

Aengus Ó Snodaigh wants all groups affected by the proposed change to contact him

SINN FÉIN Social Protection spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has been asked by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education to compile a report on the consequences of amalgamating all social welfare payments into a ‘Single Working Age Payment’. He now wants all groups affected by this proposed change to contact him without delay so he can submit a draft report by the end of February.

The Dublin South Central TD said: “The timeframe for this is very tight with the Government having committed to submit an implementation plan to the EC/IMF/ECB troika by the end of March.”

‘Potentially the most significant reform of our social welfare system since the foundation of the state’ — Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Sinn Féin TD

The Sinn Féin deputy added that the troika is not demanding the introduction of a single payment but is open to whatever options are proposed.

“We are talking about potentially the most significant reform of our social welfare system since the foundation of the state. It’s vital that we get it right and that we get the timing right. It became clear during the Joint Oireachtas Committee discussion that unless the activation and support services are enhanced, including childcare in particular, such reforms at a time of high unemployment could be hugely detrimental.”

Aengus Ó Snodaigh can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at Leinster House 618 3000.