Work programme for 2024 published by Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Denis Naughten said: "I am pleased that the Members of the Joint Committee have set an effective work programme for this year- I hope that it will be carried out proactively. While agreeing on this Work Programme, we were mindful of the wide ranging remit of the Committee and of the challenges facing rural and island communities throughout the country.

“The Committee will continue to further its engagement with European bodies such as the EU Commission and the EU Parliament and its committees during 2024, including delegation visits where appropriate.”

“The Joint Committee is empowered to consider such other policy issues as it may select within its terms of reference. During 2024, in addition to core business such as legislation, it will be possible to focus on a few major topics within the remit of the Department, with the aim of submitting well-researched reports to the Houses.

“In addition to this core work, the Joint Committee is also empowered to consider the examination of the general scheme or draft heads of Bills and to consider any post-enactment report on any Bill enacted in the previous 12 months by the Houses of the Oireachtas in respect of the Departments under its remit.”

The following are key policy issues suggested for examination:

Social Protection

• An examination of the Energy Poverty Action Plan (out of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)
• The rollout of Home Retrofits for those in Energy Poverty, particularly those in social housing
• The suitability and future of Fuel Allowance

• The potential for Social Tariffs, and including disconnections, in particular for vulnerable customers, considering Pay as You Go customers
• Examination of urban/rural divide, particularly with respect to home heating

1. Performance Indicators of the Department
2. Consideration of the Sustainable Development Goals
3. Review of the Roadmap for Social inclusion
4. Review of working hours in relation to carers allowance with the Department of Social Protection and Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI)
5. Consideration of the eligibility of Gardaí and other public servants to access payments when they retire at 60 as opposed to Jobseekers Allowance.
6. The eligibility of self-employed in claiming Illness Benefit

Rural and Community Development

1. Review of Our Rural Future/Town Centres First • Appointment of Town Regeneration Officer (TRO) in local authorities

• Formation of Town Teams and the associated supporting structure.
• Funding for Collaborative Town Centre Health Check programme (with specific input from Heritage Council)
• Application of Croí Cónaithe funding in Towns and Villages to reactivate Vacant and derelict properties and approaches to tackling vacancy and dereliction in towns and villages.
• Support for Local Small Businesses in Rural Ireland and Sustainability through main street rejuvenation in towns and villages.
• Examine six towns involved in pilot projects to encourage town centre living.

1. Review of the CLÁR areas and CLÁR Programme with a focus on matching funding.
2. Funding of Community Groups and Social Enterprises – specifically in relation to the necessity for bridging finance for grant-aid
3. Performance Indicators of the Department
4. Consideration of the Sustainable Development Goals

1. Provision of Rural Public Transport • Progress in Connecting Ireland programme.

• Issues of transport deprivation and forced car ownership in rural communities.
• Challenges facing Local Link services in increasing provision in rural areas and the integration and co-ordination of transport services
• Barriers to Active Transport in rural settings
• ‘Every Village, Every Hour’ models in other jurisdictions.
• Bikes and Bus shelters

1. Dog Breeding Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2021
2. Opportunities for investment in Heavy Rail & Western Rail Corridor • Heavy rail links with ports and airports

• Commuter and intercity rail services
• Line speeds, line capacity, and signalling on rural railway lines
• Protection of closed and abandoned railway lines
• Consideration of whether EU funding is available for heavy rail investment, including for “Ten-Intermodal Nodes. Ten-T western arc isn’t on the revised plan – waiting on rail review.

1. Leader Funding – Review of the application process • LEADER (Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Economie Rurale)

1. Issues relating to Water and Sewerage • Private Wastewater Treatment Plants and Planning Permission policy for one off builds.

• Provision of water and wastewater to rural areas and state contribution to same.

1. RAPID Programme • Review of Communities Facilities Scheme and RAPID. (Revitalising areas by planning, investment, and development)

1. Regional Rural Cohesion Funding and the Effects of Brexit. • Impact of Brexit on INTERREG Funding

• Impact of Brexit on current INTERREG projects between Ireland and Wales
• Potential future partnerships with EU countries for INTERREG projects

The Islands

1. Examine the critical service and infrastructure deficits on the islands.
2. Energy Self Sufficiency (including through EU funding)
3. Consideration of the Sustainable Development Goals
4. Seek annual update on ‘Our Living Islands’
5. Waste Management on the islands
6. Developing the Fishing Industry (fishing rights, access to resources (piers etc.))

In addition to this core work, the Joint Committee is also empowered to consider the examination of the general scheme or draft heads of Bills and to consider any post-enactment report on any Bill enacted in the previous 12 months by the Houses of the Oireachtas in respect of the Departments under its remit.

In addition to those topics, we hope to have the opportunity to look at various other topics, and the public can read the Agenda 2024 content here.

The Committee has also published its annual report for 2022, read it here.