Social Protection Committee to discuss the impact of means testing on the social welfare system with representatives from UCC, TCD and SETU

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House between 09:30-12:30.

The following representatives are due to appear:

• University College Cork, Dr. Fiona Dukelow
• Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Joe Whelan
• University College Cork, Dr. Tom Boland
• South East Technological University, Dr. Ray Griffin

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Denis Naughten said: “Social welfare payments serve several functions – to provide a social safety net, alleviate poverty and to ensure a living standard for those who need it.”

“Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment and Carer's Allowance are among some of the most common social welfare payments that are subject to means testing.”

“Means testing in general is seen as necessary by most people and operates both as a method of ensuring equality and as a way of ensuring those most at need are targeted.”

“Not all welfare payments are means tested but it is clear to us as a committee that existing means testing of welfare payments is complex and warrants further scrutiny.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.