Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O’Dea TD has said that Minister Doherty cannot continue to bury her head in the sand and ignore the clear opposition to the proposed restructuring of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and the Citizens Information Service (CIS). “The restructuring process has already caused a great deal […]

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O’Dea TD says there should be a commitment in Budget 2018 to increase funding to Community Services Programmes should the minimum wage be increased as recommended by the Low Pay Commission. Deputy O’Dea said, “Community Services Programmes (CSP) cater to the local, social, economic and environmental needs of […]

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O’Dea TD has said that it is very telling that nearly six in 10 social welfare appeals are being upheld and that there is a critical need to simply the systems and applications’ processes. Deputy O’Dea was commenting after receiving data from the Department showing that 59.2% of […]

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O’Dea TD has welcomed the announcement that those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance will now be given the option to receive it in two lump sum payments. Commenting O’Dea said, “I recently raised this possibility with the Minister by way of parliamentary question and I welcome the […]

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O’Dea TD has expressed his frustration over Minister Doherty’s failure to halt the damaging restructuring of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). Minister Doherty has taken a hands-off approach to the issue despite strong opposition to the restructuring from many of the staff and volunteers and also […]

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection, Willie O’Dea TD has said that information released under the Freedom of Information Act reveals that former Minister for Social Protection, and now Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar failed to do anything to prevent maternity benefit payment delays. The FOI clearly shows that despite officials in the Department flagging concerns relating […]