I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 23 and 24 together.
The report of the Review Group on the Treatment of Households in the Social Welfare Code has been made available and has been widely distributed. I have invited views on the report in line with the Government's commitment in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. An advertisement carried in all the national newspapers on 17 January asked that comments on the report be sent to my Department before the end of March.
The report addresses a number of fundamental issues in relation to the social welfare payments system. Among these is the question of whether the present structure of payments, involving personal payments and separate increases for adult and child dependants, is the most appropriate and whether a different system would be more equitable.
The review group identified several options for the future development of the social welfare payments system but was unable to reach a consensus on what would be the most suitable approach in the short term. These options, and other issues regarding the payments system raised in the report, are complicated ones and further consideration of the report and the finalisation of proposals will take some time to achieve. However, the matter will be given urgent consideration.
The provision of individual payments of adult dependant allowances generally would have major administrative implications and the appropriate arrangements in this regard will be considered in context of the report.