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EAPN Ireland and OPEN launch report by Brian Harvey on funding schemes

April 2012

On 3 April 2012, EAPN Ireland and OPEN launched a report by Brian Harvey entitled “Reforming grant-giving in public administration: the Funding scheme to support national organizations in the voluntary and community sector, a case study” along with a background paper. Both are available on EAPN and OPEN websites.

Anti Poverty and Equality Groups welcome Oireachtas Committee all-party report on Single Working Age Payment

March 2012

EAPN Ireland Working Group on Europe 2020 has welcomed the report on proposals for a Single Working Age Payment by the all-party Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. The report highlights that while there is universal support for a single payment in principle, it recommended to the Minister for Social Protection “…not to proceed with the proposals for a Single Working Age Payment … at this time because the necessary supports, activation opportunities and quality jobs to move into are not in place.” .

Submission on Disability Allowance to Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare

March 2012

Submission to the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare argues strongly that there should be no changes to the eligibility criteria or levels of the Disability Allowance. What is needed is an increase in services and supports and addressing the barriers facing people with disabilities in accessing jobs, training and education.

Submission on single welfare payment for everyone of working age

February 2012

Submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education expresses strong concerns about the negative poverty impact of introducing a single welfare payment for all people aged 16-64 in the current economic climate.

EAPN Comment Paper to EU Peer Review on Ireland’s Poverty Target

February 2012

In June 2011 an EU Peer Review of Ireland’s consistent poverty target was held in Dublin. This was because of the need for all EU countries to set their own poverty target as part of Europe 2020 strategy. This strategy sets the target of reducing by at least 20 million the numbers of people experiencing poverty and social exclusion by 2020. Paul Ginnell from EAPN Ireland represented EAPN at the Peer Review which included representatives from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the European network ESN. Full details are available at http://www.peer-review-social-inclusion.eu/peer-reviews/2011/the-setting-of-national-poverty-targets. Download publication

Happy New Year from the New Director

January 2012

Robin Hanan has returned to EAPN Ireland as Director.  Robin previously worked as Coordinator of the Network from 1999 to 2007. He paid tribute to the work of Anna Visser who has led an effective organisation through difficult times, along with the Board, staff  and members.  Anna has moved on to work for the Advocacy Initiative. [...]