Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Apr 1981

Vol. 328 No. 8

Written Answers. - Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty.

240.

Mr. Deasy

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the Government's commitment in the national understanding 1980 to a programme designed to develop a sound and effective approach to the tackling of poverty in our society, he intends to establish an agency to undertake such a programme; if he is aware that the abolition in 1980 of the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty without any arrangements being made for a holding operation has generated frustration and disillusionment among local people in Waterford and other areas who are working to combat poverty and who were relying on the programme for support; the action he proposes to take in the matter; and the method and time scale he proposes to employ.

241.

Mr. Deasy

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if arrangements are being made for a holding operation for the projects which were active when the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty was abolished; if he will give details of the holding operation; and when it will be put into operation.

242.

Mr. Deasy

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the criteria that were used to provide immediate funding in January 1981 for one isolated community action project (details supplied) in Dublin.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 240, 241 and 242 together.

As I indicated in reply to an earlier question I am having the final report of the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty examined in my Department. To assist with this examination I have set up a small review group which in addition to studying the report and other documentation is also meeting members of local teams and other groups which either had association with projects or worked in the same field, as well as representatives of various statutory bodies. I am hopeful that the review group will have completed their work within six months and that I will then be in a position to consider what further action should be taken.

Most of the projects which were active under the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty ceased to function with the termination of that committee. No arrangements have been made in regard to any of them pending the outcome of the review which is now going on except that a small measure of support continues to be accorded for the continuation of a limited service in a particularly deprived area of Dublin.