Varadkar proposes overhaul of welfare system in what is seen as start of FG leadership bid

Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has revealed radical plans to overhaul the social welfare system, in what is seen as the start of his bid to become the leader of Fine Gael.

Social welfare payments would be linked to the cost of living or to average earnings under the proposals which would be likely to see annual increases in payments as the rate of inflation rises.

Many will see Mr Vardakar’s sweeping proposals — which were not contained in the Programme for Government — as an effective launch of his leadership bid to take over from Taoiseach Enda Kenny.