Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

Lobbying Organisation Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed

Date published 17 May, 2021

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Social Protection

Period 1 Jan, 2021 to 30 Apr, 2021

Specific Details At the on-line launch of the INOU’s publication Working for Work, the supports provided in response to the impact of COVID-19 were acknowledged, while the importance of ensuring that all people trying to manage on a social welfare payment are provided with an adequate income and well-resourced employment services and supports was emphasised.

Intended results To secure a better standard of living and appropriate supports for people who experience unemployment in whatever circumstances.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Ann Fergus, Chairperson, INOU

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.

Virtual Meeting (1)

In March, Heather Humphries, TD, Minister for Social Protection launched the 27th edition INOU's flagship publication 'Working for Work'. At this event the INOU welcomed the support provided for people who lost their job because of the health pandemic, the improved rate of payment available to people under the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, the easier access to this payment through mywelfare.ie. However, concerns were also raised about people who may not be able to access supports and services online because they do not have the wherewithal, be it the hardwire, the broadband or the money to maintain such access. As Ireland emerges out of this crisis it will be really important to support people to access a decent job, and while they search for such employment to ensure that people have access to good income supports, set at a level that ensures people can live their lives with dignity.

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)