John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)

I wrote to the Minister regarding auto-enrolment and how it is imperative it proceeds from 1 January. The Minister answered that question. The profile in terms of the cost of pensions is very important, as is making sure the country is able to pay for it.

My second point concerns jobseeker's pay-related benefit. How is this going and how much will be spent on that for the remainder of the year? When will the Government be able to proceed with parental benefit? The importance of the hot school meals programme was mentioned by members of the committee. As a previous member of the board of management of a national school and chair of a secondary school, I know how important and impactful it is for the people who use it. I have received feedback that parents do not have to prepare lunches anymore. The announcement of the opening of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme was made this morning. Have there been any changes to that scheme for 2025 and how much is expected to be spent on it this year?