asked the Minister for Social Welfare the criteria used in appointing members of the board of the Combat Poverty Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Combat Poverty Agency.
30.
The principal functions of the Combat Poverty Agency as set out in the Combat Poverty Agency Act, 1986 are: (a) advising and making recommendations to the Minister for Social Welfare on all aspects of economic and social planning in relation to poverty; (b) initiating and evaluating measures aimed at overcoming poverty; (c) promoting and interpreting research into the nature, causes and extent of poverty; and (d) promoting a greater public understanding of poverty.
Since its establishment in September 1986, the agency's two main areas of activity have been in supporting practical community development work in local areas and in research on poverty related issues. The recently appointed members of the new board were selected with the statutory functions of the agency in mind on the basis of their wide-ranging and practical experience in these areas.
I am satisfied that the spread of background and experience available on the new board will make it possible to develop and build on the work on which the agency has been engaged over the past three years.