Oireachtas committee to examine new social inclusion roadmap
Deputies and senators met with departmental representatives to scrutinise Ireland's anti-poverty strategy. The discussions focused on cross-government measures aimed at reducing consistent poverty and narrowing income inequality by the end of the decade.
The Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development convened to scrutinise the newly launched Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2026-2030 alongside senior representatives from the Department of Social Protection. Taking place in Leinster House, the parliamentary session explored the State's strategic vision for tackling disadvantage over the coming five years.
Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy John Paul O'Shea emphasised the significance of the strategy, which succeeds previous frameworks dating back to 1997. The comprehensive plan comprises 63 cross-government actions spanning critical areas such as income supports, employment, housing, education, health, transport, childcare, and community services. Policymakers are targeting a reduction in consistent poverty to two per cent or lower by the close of 2030, while striving to position Ireland among the most socially inclusive nations across the European Union.
Members of the fourteen-person joint committee engaged in a detailed briefing regarding the delivery mechanisms and primary objectives underpinning the framework. The proceedings were broadcast live via Oireachtas TV and accessible on the official Houses of the Oireachtas mobile application. Further details regarding committee schedules and media inquiries can be obtained through the official Oireachtas website.