Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last year, my Department undertook a consultation process with a number of interested stakeholders. The process included discussions with representatives of the community and voluntary sector at the pre-budget forum in July 2019 as well as bilateral meetings with stakeholders. The outcome of those discussions was considered and, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department is considering proposals for setting a formal benchmark for State pension contributory payments and the indexation of future changes in pension rates of payment in line with the commitment in A Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023.

The programme for Government states that the Low Pay Commission is to examine universal basic income informed by a review of previous international pilots and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government. The practical arrangements for giving effect to this commitment are still being considered but it is the intention that this matter will be progressed in accordance with the timeline set out in the programme for Government.

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