asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date on which the Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty was set up; whether it has issued a report; and the pilot schemes at present in operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pilot Scheme to Combat Poverty.
11.
The inaugural meeting of the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty took place on 8th May, 1974. The committee have not yet published a report. In this connection however it should be pointed out that reports published by the committee will be based largely on the experience of their pilot schemes rather than on their own deliberations. In view of this consideration and the fact that the committee's programme of pilot schemes is at a very early stage of implementation, it will be some time yet before they begin to publish reports.
As regard projects presently in operation the position is that fieldwork has been completed on a national survey of home assistance recipients which is being undertaken by the committee as part of their supplementary welfare allowances project. The result of this survey is at present being analysed. As part of their community action research project the committee are involved with an existing organisation in the development of a training and educational project for itinerant teenagers in County Clare.
Later this month the committee will establish six projects in specific areas throughout the country. Three of these projects will be community action research projects, the other three being welfare rights projects. Early in November field work on the social service council project will begin in the form of two studies—one a national study and the other an intensive study in one county.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the problems which this committee were set up to solve have become more acute since 1974 and, consequently, more difficult to solve? Would he agree also that the committee have been rather tardy in setting up their pilot projects?
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's supplementary is in the negative. My answer to the second part of the question with regard to the time lapse between the formation of the committee and the implementation of their programmes, is that, in fairness to the Deputy, it would appear to the casual observer that there was quite a considerable time lapse but, in fact, the preparatory work for this type of operation is of vital importance.
Having watched what happened in other countries in relation to efforts of this kind, the committee were determined to ensure that the proper de-tailed research into the setting up of the individual projects was done in such a way as to give the maximum hope of success for the operation as a whole. I might mention to the Deputy that, at international level, the way the committee went about their work has been recognised to the extent that the EEC Social Commission asked the committee to speak to other member countries who are in the process of setting up similar projects.
I am afraid the Parliamentary Secretary does not know that the problems of the poor have become much more acute since 1974 and that he is very much out of touch. Would he think it advisable for the committee to publish a report of their activities to date so that the public would be aware of what they are doing?
I should like to make two points in reply to the Deputy. I have not interfered and I do not intend to interfere with the running of the committee and the projects. Very eminent people in this field were appointed to the committee. I have full confidence not only in their dedication but also in their competence and their expertise in this field. When the committee announce the details of particular projects for the immediate future, undoubtedly they will elaborate on the work they have been engaged in.
Question No. 12 is for written reply.
Where is Thersites?