Government launch Roadmap for Social Inclusion

The Government has launched their Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2026-2030, which aims to reduce poverty and improve social inclusion in Ireland over the next five years.

The roadmap is building on strategies from its earlier iteration in 1997.

Setting out multiple cross-Government actions, focusing on those most impacted by poverty. This includes families with children on low income, disabled people, the elderly, lone parents and disadvantaged communities.

The strategy will align with the EU’s first Anti-Poverty Strategy, which was published in May, and is in response to the EU’s call to put in place anti policy frameworks at a national level.

The Government launched the Roadmap at the Social Inclusion Forum, which is an annual event bringing together Government officials and representative organisations.

The event took place in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin with over 250 people. Jointly organised by the Department of Social Protection, the European Anti-Poverty Network and Community Work Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The Social Inclusion Forum plays a vital role in shaping how we respond to poverty and social exclusion in Ireland.

“At the Forum, we will hear from those who have lived experience, ensuring that our decisions are informed by real lives and real challenges.

“This engagement is essential if we are to achieve meaningful and lasting change, and real outcomes for people and communities.

“The launch of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2026–2030 marks a renewed and ambitious commitment by Government to reducing poverty, supporting families and individuals, and building an Ireland where everyone can live with dignity and participate fully in society.

“I will work closely with my colleague, Minister Dara Calleary, and my colleagues across Government, to ensure that this Roadmap helps deliver outcomes that strengthen our communities, our economy and our society as a whole.”

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary added, “When it comes to reducing poverty and fostering social inclusion, it is incumbent on us to be ambitious. And that is what this new Roadmap is, the Government’s ambitious agenda for the next five years to continue to make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the EU.

“Our focus is those in our communities who are most disadvantaged and impacted by poverty and exclusion, and the 63 actions laid out reflect this.

“Delivery of this Roadmap requires a whole-of-government approach, which is why we have actions covering many areas, from income supports to employment, housing, health, education and others.

“Along with Government delivering on these actions, meeting the Roadmap’s ambitions will require continued collaboration with those with lived experience of poverty and social exclusion, and the community and voluntary sector, to ensure our work is informed and targeted to those most in need.

“Which is why today’s Social Inclusion Forum is so important, enabling dialogue on these crucial matters.”