Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

Lobbying Organisation Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

Date published 18 Sep, 2023

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Social Protection

Period 1 May, 2023 to 31 Aug, 2023

Specific Details In July, the INOU participated in the Department of Social Protection’s Pre-Budget Forum, which took place in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin. The INOU’s Pre-Budget 2024 Submission was sent into DSP beforehand and it covered adequate income; supportive employment services; employment and programmes; education and training; and social inclusion.

Intended results To promote key aspects of the INOU 2024 Pre-Budget Submission. In particular, given the inadequacy of social welfare payments before the rise in the cost of living, an increase in these payments of least €25 per week. The development of an inclusive labour market and access to decent work, which Ireland’s Public Employment Service, employment, educational and social protection policies must strive to make a reality for all people of working age.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Bríd O'Brien, Head of Policy and Media

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (2-5)

INOU PBS also calls for earlier access to Christmas Bonus and Fuel Allowance for people on Jobseeker’s Allowance; end of age segregation in JA; introduce a work-friendly social welfare system; develop a social welfare health check; increase Back to Work Enterprise Allowance; increase additional payment on employment programmes by €10; properly support adult learners to participate; comprehensively address housing and transport challenges; properly support community and voluntary sector.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Heather Humphreys Minister (Department of Social Protection)

Joe O'Brien Minister of State (Department of Social Protection)