The Government has announced new regulations allowing carers to receive their full social welfare payment together with half their carer's allowance.

A four-week increase in paid maternity leave for new mothers is coming into effect from today.

IRISH people are heading for the poverty trap because they are either not securing a private pension or their employer is not willing to provide sustainable pensions.

The tweaking of the pensions system will not increase the low level of pension coverage, experts said today.

SO, a year after becoming Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Seamus Brennan has decided to take action on the 30,000 to 50,000 ‘hardcore unemployed’ - but not yet.

Members of the Irish Postmasters' Union are due to march on the Dáil today as part of a campaign to ensure social welfare payments continue to be distributed via post offices.

The Government has announced a 10% increase in funding for marriage and child counselling services in Dublin this year.

The increase in family supplements introduced in Budget 2004 will take effect this month.