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

In response to Deputy Naughten, the vast majority of carers are women. I provided a pension to carers. Female participation in the workforce has never been higher and I absolutely want more women back working. I launched the updated pathways to work just this Tuesday. There is a significant focus on helping to get people back to work.

Regarding the poverty and gender impact analysis, the legislation provides a framework for the scheme and contains regulation-making power to support the policy development as the scheme is rolled out. This will be an evolving process. The Department will continue to assess the impacts of the scheme as the policy advances and when the associated regulations are being devised.

I think I have mentioned this before but I will clarify that people on low incomes will get 60% of their income or may qualify for a means-tested jobseeker's allowance. Balance is needed to manage payments with work incentives. We must consider the impacts on businesses and recruitment. The minimum payment is higher than the jobseeker's benefit by about €20.

The final speaker, Deputy Troy, had a number of suggestions. They are part of the budget considerations. He suggested that I should speak to the former social welfare inspectors. There are many former employees of different organisations, but I particularly speak to those in my Department, who have much experience. That is a good idea because different people bring different perspectives on specific experiences that they have had in the workplace. I thank Deputies for their contributions.

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