Minister Calleary launches Public Consultation for new Pathways to Work 2026-2030

• public consultation open until 30 September 2025
• Minister Calleary urges all interested parties to share their views

The Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has launched a public consultation for a new Pathways to Work 2026-2030 national employment strategy.

The new strategy aims to build on the success of the current Pathways to Work 2021-2025.

The current strategy focussed on removing barriers to employment, providing tens of thousands of training and education places, enhancing the Public Employment Service, providing incentives to employers to take people off the Live Register, and delivering a special package of supports for those most disadvantaged and distant from the labour force.

Since the commencement of the strategy there has been a significant increase in employment and many people who were long-term unemployed have taken up training and education options.

The new strategy will continue to build on the 65 commitments of Pathways to Work 2021 – 2025 , which was developed with related departments and agencies to reflect their strategies. The Labour Market Advisory Council has played an important role in the development of labour market policies advising on measures reflective of the changing labour market

Launching the consultation, Minister Calleary said:

“I encourage all stakeholders, including employers, trade unions, the community and voluntary pillar, interested groups and individuals to contribute to the public consultation on the next version of Ireland’s employment strategy”

“The Irish labour market continues to perform at historically high levels, while the gender gap in participation rates is closing. The world of work is undergoing significant changes. and the Irish labour market has shown its resilience to the challenges and opportunities emerging at national and international levels. I look forward to receiving your views as to how we can continue to maintain this strong performance”

The public consultation is open until 30 September 2025.

For more information and for details on how to share your views, visit: Public consultation on the successor to Pathways to Work 2021-2025.