Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 20 April 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Pensions and Social Security: Discussion

Dr. Tom Boland:

I might let Dr. Fitzpatrick come in on that. The standard rates are approximately twice as high south of the Border but what really matters is that, south of the Border, the pressures under which people are put are much less, and the degree of support that is offered is generally more understanding and takes a longer view in regard to getting people into good jobs, training and education, whereas in the North it is a different story. I will let Dr. Fitzpatrick deal with that.