8. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will report on the introduction of pay-related benefit in March 2025 linking unemployment payments to previous earnings; the number of persons who have availed of it to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31132/26]

Sentiment score: 0.04

I welcome the introduction of the pay-related benefit and believe it is an important step forward in how we support people who find themselves unemployed, especially the 97,000 who have received the benefit in the past 12 months and the 34,000 on it at the moment. For many families, losing a job is not just a financial shock; it is also an emotional one. It creates uncertainty and pressure at a time when people are trying to get back on their feet and secure new employment. As I am hearing directly from people, the scheme provides stability during the period of transition. It allows people to focus on finding the right job rather than immediately falling into financial distress. From my interaction with individuals who have availed of the support, I believe there is a strong sense that it preserves dignity. People feel they are being treated fairly and that their contribution over many years of work and paying taxes has been recognised. That is an important principle. When people have contributed to the system, they should feel supported when in need. Can the Minister outline how the Department is assessing the early impact of the scheme, particularly in terms of supporting people in returning to employment while maintaining the sense of stability and dignity?

Sentiment score: 0.23

It is great news that the majority of those who receive the benefit do not proceed to the second stage, which means the job market in Ireland is buoyant and people are able to find alternative employment. Building on that, I believe this approach should form a cornerstone of how we think about social welfare supports more broadly. It is about recognising contributions, supporting people through difficult periods and helping them to return to work in a sustainable way. Can the Minister outline whether there are plans to further develop or extend pay-related supports and how the Government intends to ensure the principle of recognising and rewarding contributions remains central to our social protection system?

Sentiment score: 0.61

110. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to improve public transport connectivity in County Offaly, particularly in rural areas where services remain limited; whether there are plans to expand bus routes or increase service frequency under the Connecting Ireland programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31116/26]

Sentiment score: 0.23

I welcome the progress being made under the Connecting Ireland programme. I acknowledge the excellent work being carried out by Local Link services across the country. In rural communities in counties such as Offaly, Local Link has made a real difference in connecting people, particularly those who may not have access to a car. It has helped to address isolation and has provided vital links to services, employment and education. However, despite this progress, rural isolation remains a very real issue. There are still many areas where services are limited, infrequent or simply not available at the times people need them. For people living in rural Ireland, access to reliable public transport is not a convenience; it is essential. Will the Minister of State outline what further expansion is planned under Connecting Ireland to increase frequency and coverage in rural areas, and specifically how counties like Offaly will benefit from those improvements?

Sentiment score: 0.14