asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress that has been made to date regarding the establishment of pilot schemes to combat poverty in specific areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Combating Poverty.
103.
The National Committee of Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty announced on 4th December, 1974 that they had submitted proposals for four pilot schemes for inclusion in the programme of pilot schemes to combat poverty which is provided for in the EEC Social Action Programme. The four projects submitted by the committee were:
(i) A Welfare Rights Project; (ii) A Home Assistance Project; (iii) A Community Action Research Project; (iv) A Social Service Council Project.
A detailed description of these four projects was released by the committee at a Press conference on 4th December, 1974.
Financial assistance was sought from the Community in respect of three of four projects submitted. These three projects were included in the programme which was submitted by the committee for the approval of the Council of Ministers on 14th January, 1975. The decision of the council is expected in the near future.
In the meantime the committee are proceeding with the necessary pre-paratory work in relation to the implementation of the projects. This preparatory work includes the recruitment of the necessary staff, the consultation of relevant organisations and individuals, as well as a continuing examination of the project proposals with a view to ensuring as far as possible that they contain the necessary ingredients for success.