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Walk a mile in their shoes

Four TDs are going to see what it's like to live on social welfare

For one week, politicians will see first-hand what it takes to live on social welfare payments as part of a new TV3 series.

Updated 5.52pm 

WOULD YOU LIKE a TD to move into your home, experience the life you lead and essentially walk a mile in your shoes for one week?

Over the years there have been plenty of calls for politicians imposing budget cuts to live on social welfare to see how they survive.

As part of a new documentary series for TV3, four TDs will be saying goodbye to their salaries and cutting up the credit cards and doing just that.

The series will follow the four TDs as they experience life for families in their own constituencies who are surviving on social welfare.  

TV3 has yet to reveal which Dáil deputies will be taking part in the series but those that do will move into local households for one week and experience every aspect of the families’ lives.

“The TDs have not been confirmed yet. It will be a range of TD’s from across the country from different political parties,” a spokesperson for the broadcaster said.

They will see first-hand what it takes to plan a budget for the week and pay bills on social welfare payments.

TDs will also have to be involved in everyday family life, which will include bringing the kids out to play and accompanying them on the weekly shop with the little money the family has left to spare.

Tv3 says this is a “unique social experiment” which will give a voice to struggling families and households across the country. 

First published 3.14pm 

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