1973. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he plans to amend the means assessment system as it applies to savers in Budget 2026, in line with the recommendations contained in the 2024 report of the Social Welfare Oireachtas Sub Committee, and further in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to give effect to those recommendations. [59546/26]

My Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system. It will take into account the report on means testing published by the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development.

The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to their respective means tests. With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task.

It is my intention that the review's findings will inform decisions regarding potential future changes to means testing.

The review is currently with senior management of the Department for review and I expect that it will be submitted to me shortly.

Due to the complexity of the review, I will carefully and thoroughly evaluate it to determine the best way to utilise its findings and identify those that may warrant further consideration. However, any prospective changes to means-testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the overall policy and budgetary context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.