Debate on Social Welfare Bill resumes

The Dáil debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill resumed in Leinster House this morning.

The Opposition has criticised the contents of the Bill and in particular changes to social welfare payments for those under the age of 26.

Introducing the Bill last week, Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said long-term social welfare dependency must be prevented as the economy recovers.

She said she was changing the jobseeker’s allowance for young people to place a greater emphasis on work, training and education than on income supports.

“This will ensure young people are always better off in education, employment or training than claiming,” she said.