Social Protection Committee to discuss the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner’s Pension) Bill 2024

The Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands will meet on the 2nd of July for a discussion regarding the pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2024.

The meeting will take place over two sessions in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House from 18:30 and 20:00.

The following representatives are due to appear:
• Representatives from FLAC (first session),
• Officials from the Department of Social Protection (second session).

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Denis Naughten said, 'We welcome the opportunity for pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2024.'

'This is an extremely topical issue that has a lot of interest from the public, so it is important that we engage in strong scrutiny of the Bill as it has the potential to impact many people.' 'As the Supreme Court found that the current legislation is inconsistent with the Constitution following its decision in the O'Meara case, this meeting is a necessary step in altering our approach and rectifying the situation to this area.'

'FLAC regularly works on behalf of clients involved in social welfare cases and they represented the O'Meara family in the case that is central to the discussion at hand. FLAC are prepared to provide their knowledge and an insights into their experiences on the matter to the committee.'

'We are looking forward to meeting with representatives from FLAC and the Department of Social Protection to hear their perspectives and expertise on the subject so that it can aid the Committee in developing a strong response in the pre-legislative stage.'

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