Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 3

Written Answers. - Budget Submissions.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

45 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on the pre-budget submission made by the Combat Pov erty Agency; if it is intended to implement the improvements sought by the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26824/01]

Seán Ryan

Question:

47 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the priorities identified by interest groups at the pre-budget forum held on 5 October 2001; the steps he intends to take to address the issues raised in the next Social Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26817/01]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 47 together.

As part of the budget process, I held a pre-budget forum on 15 October. The forum was attended by 28 groups representative of a wide variety of welfare organisations, community and voluntary organisations and other interested groups. A broad range of proposals for the budget were put forward at the forum and the main proposals were as follows: substantial increases in weekly social welfare payments; qualified adult allowances to be significantly increased as a percentage of personal rates in 2002; significant increases in monthly child benefit payments; substantial improvements to the carer's allowance, particularly in relation to the means test; and a wide range of other improvements.

The Combat Poverty Agency also attended this forum and I have recently received a pre-budget submission from the agency. In its submission, the agency recommends setting a specific target for income poverty reduction, designed to improve the position of the poorest members of society. This would involve targeting surplus resources on welfare expenditure and not tax reductions. The establishment of an inclusive society, where all citizens have the opportunity and the incentive to participate fully in the social and economic life of the country, is a fundamental objective of the Government. In formulating proposals for inclusion in the 2002 budget, therefore, the Government will be endeavouring to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are invested in our social infrastructure.

As a result of the improvements provided for in the last four budgets, substantial progress has already been made in this regard. For instance, last year's social welfare improvements package was the biggest ever, amounting to over £850 million, or 1,079 million, on a full year basis. In this context, it should be noted that the full year cost of the main proposals sought by the various groups at the pre-budget forum was estimated at more than £4,000 million, or 5,100 million. My priorities for budget 2002 will include making further progress towards implementing the various programme and other Government commitments and responding where possible to the various proposals and concerns brought to my attention during the course of the budget process, with regard to the available resources.

Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 8.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 45.