Elaine Loughlin: Outdated social welfare rules keep working poor stuck in a poverty rut

The Department of Social Protection has acknowledged change to the jobseeker's allowance and other payments is needed but it will be years before a new system to benefit families is introduced

Ireland is ranked 16th out of 27 countries in the European Union in terms of its after-housing cost poverty rate for children. Danny Lawson/PA Wire

A Dolly Parton take on social welfare payments is keeping the working poor stuck in a poverty rut, but it will be at least 2029 before any proposed changes are made.

This week, a senior civil servant told politicians people are turning down work over fears they will lose social welfare payments and other State supports because of the three-day working rule.