The NERI webinar on The Future of the Irish Social Welfare System took place on Wednesday 24th March, 2021 at 15:00.
Abstract:
The talk was based on a recently completed NESC study on 'The Future of the Irish Social Welfare System: Participation and Protection', co-authored by Dr Helen Johnston and Dr Anne-Marie McGauran. The presentation set out the main challenges facing the social welfare system and addressed these in four main sections:
• Ensuring income adequacy and alleviating poverty;
• Modernising family supports to reflect gender and care needs;
• Supporting high participation, including a pilot on participation income; and
• Enhancing financial sustainability.
Reference was made to the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic for the social welfare system.
Webinar format:
Dr Helen Johnson, NESC began the seminar by presenting findings on the NESC study on 'The Future of the Irish Welfare System: Participation and Protection', co-authored by Dr Anne-Marie McGauran.
Following the initial presentation by Dr Helen Johnston the discussant, Michael Taft, SIPTU commented and analysed different aspects of the paper with the hope of opening up a more engaged discussion on the issues raised in the paper. Dr Anne-Marie McGauran, NESC joined them both for the Q & A section of the webinar to answer questions from the attendees.