asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is the intention of the Government to prepare a White Paper on the reform of the social welfare system and community welfare services and if he will ensure the widest possible consultation with all interests concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Security System Development.
30.
As the Deputy is aware, the Statement of Intent of the National Coalition indicated that the elimination of poverty and the ending of social injustice will be a major priority in this Government's programme. It also indicated that special legislation would be introduced to deal with problems affecting the aged, deprived children, widows, deserted wives and handicapped persons. The statement of intent made it clear that a comprehensive social security system covering all citizens will be introduced.
This ambitious, but necessary, programme is already under examination by my Department. It would be inappropriate to state at this stage whether detailed proposals for the implementation of this programme of reform and development of the social security system will be set out in a White Paper. However, I can assure the Deputy that it is my intention to have the fullest consultations with all the interests involved before formulating precise proposals and I will be very pleased to receive any representations that responsible bodies in this field may wish to put forward for consideration by me.
Do I understand from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that this matter has now been put on the long finger?
No. As the Deputy is probably aware, a good deal of the 14-point programme has already been implemented. The Deputy can rest assured that the rest of the programme will be implemented in due course.
Tell us about the rates.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, does he seriously think that this Government or any Government in any country will ever be in a position to say that they have completely eliminated poverty in their country?
Every effort will be made by the present Government to achieve that end.
(Interruptions.)
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say when this special legislation will be introduced in view of the great urgency of this matter and in view of his own promises in relation to it?
As I stated in the original reply, it is our intention to consult with bodies who are interested in this matter. After that consultation has taken place, the legislation will be prepared.
Will that be before the next general election?
I can assure the Deputy that it took 16 years to create this situation and we cannot alleviate it in five or six weeks.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he is satisfied that a sweeping review of this nature could be carried out by the existing staff of his Department, or whether it will be necessary to recruit considerable additional staff and if so, if this recruitment of additional staff is contemplated?
I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that that would depend on the outcome of the discussions with the various bodies, but I have not got that information available. That is a separate question.
I hope you do better than a half-a-crown a week over three years.
I am calling Question No. 31.