John Paul O'Shea, TD

Everyone should have their say in a public consultation on two potential payments which could represent the most significant reform in Ireland’s social protection system in a generation, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Over 60,000 people have been supported through the new Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit since its introduction in April 2025, a Fine Gael TD has said.

The auto-enrolment pension is a landmark reform which will help people to secure their future with dignity and financial independence, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Almost 48,000 parents and families benefitted from the Newborn Baby Grant in the first year since the grant was introduced, a Fine Gael TD has reported.

Budget 2026 is a powerful package of supports for working families, renters, and vulnerable groups all over Ireland, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Vulnerable groups such as pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and addressing child poverty must be prioritised over those on Jobseekers Allowances, the chairperson of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee has said.

Eligible households around the country are being encouraged to apply for the Fuel Allowance as the 2025/26 season has started, says a Fine Gael TD. Chair of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee, Deputy John Paul O’Shea says “it plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of thousands of families around the country with their heating costs over the winter months”.

If the Rural Safety Plan is to succeed Local Community Safety Partnerships must be in place nationwide by the end of the year, said a Fine Gael TD.

All options must be looked at to make maternity leave pay better for women and families, a Fine Gael TD has said.

A plan to set up a national network of Women’s Sheds has moved a step closer, a Fine Gael TD has said.