Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Jan 1991

Vol. 404 No. 5

Written Answers. - Conference on Poverty.

Mary Flaherty

Question:

22 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will convene a conference of representatives of Government, churches, voluntary bodies and business to discuss a new approach to the problem of poverty as suggested by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The new Programme for Economic and Social Progress which represents the outcome of prolonged discussions between the Government and the social partners including trade unions, business and farming organisations, recognises that this form of partnership represents the best approach for formulating a comprehensive strategy for tackling poverty.

In addition to maintaining the real value of social welfare payments, the Government are committed under the programme to raising all social welfare payments of the priority rates set down by the Commission on Social Welfare. Thereafter, payments will be increased in accordance with the recommendations of the commission as the resources of the economy grow. In addition, resources on the scale needed to implement the measures recommended by the commission, which amount of £69 million in 1990 terms, will be devoted to child income support.

I consider that the commitments in the new programme represent a very effective programme to tackle poverty in Irish society.

I have always been very conscious of the important role of voluntary organisations and the churches in tackling poverty. Many innovative schemes have been initiated by these organisations and I want to develop their role in the future. Last November, for the third successive year, I hosted a pre-budget forum with voluntary organisations to discuss priorities for improvements in the social welfare code. Similar consultations are held with other organisations representing the churches and other interests to discuss issues of relevance to them.

Having regard to the important contribution which voluntary organisations make in delivering services and combating poverty, the Government are committed, in theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress, to drawing up a charter for voluntary social service. This will set out a clear framework for partnership between the State and voluntary activity. A White Paper on the role of Government in supporting voluntary activity will be prepared by my Department. In this context the issue of how the voluntary sector can best contribute to policy formulation in the social welfare area will be examined.