asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in the light of present EEC studies on the concept of guaranteed minimum income (details supplied), he will establish an expert committee of the social partners and Church leaders to monitor the progress of these studies, and to make a report on the implementation of guaranteed minimum income in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Minimum Income Concept.
87.
The studies referred to on the lowest wages in the Community and on the concept of a minimum income are being undertaken by the Commission on its own initiative. I do not consider that a monitoring role as proposed by the Deputy would be appropriate at this stage. The Commission intends to have consultations with Governments and the two sides of industry in the light of the findings of these studies before any proposals are put forward.
I am awaiting with interest the results of the EEC surveys already referred to and the results of a number of surveys currently under way here which will have a bearing on this question. In the light of these studies I will consider what further action is appropriate.