asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether the creation of a national advisory council on the social services is under consideration so that there can be full consultation in devising an adequate national welfare service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Services Advisory Council.
14.
I am always willing to receive the views and advice on matters of importance in the field of social welfare of the many organisations and bodies throughout the country with interests in that field. I do not consider that the setting up of a formal advisory body of the type suggested in the question is called for at present.
Is the Minister aware this complaint has been made by social workers? This matter was referred to at the Kilkenny conference. There was reference to the need for a national advisory council to incorporate all the advisory bodies involved to advise the Minister in matters of social welfare.
The Minister receives advice on these matters from many bodies, including political parties and philanthropic and other representative bodies in this field. There is a national social service council which has been established by the Minister for Health. It is very broadly representative of practically all the bodies operating in the field of social services. It would be wrong to imagine that the Minister does not receive advice from all those experienced in this particular field.
There has been a welcome emphasis in recent years on the church's interest in this. A committee was set up by the hierarchy this year. It would be a good development to have all these groups involved in a national advisory council which would put their recommendations before the Minister. What is the objection to such a proposal?
The developments to which the Deputy refers are welcome but, as I indicated, the advice of all these bodies is in fact already available and the Minister does not consider that the setting up of a body of the type suggested is called for in present circumstances.
The Minister did not say "political parties and other philanthropic bodies"?
He did not. I suppose I would have to distinguish, if I were to say that, between certain political parties.