The Taoiseach is planning a major overhaul of the social welfare system.

The Sunday Independent reports that Enda Kenny is planning to make a pledge to young parents that they will earn at least 11.75 per hour, no matter where they are working, if the party is returned to power.

The radical shake-up could see low-paid mothers and fathers receive the 2 euro 60 top-up per hour, 104 euro a week, from the State - to encourage them to stay off the dole.

Junior Finance Minister Simon Harris has been asked to finalise the plans in the coming weeks: