Joe Walsh
Question:181 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare his legislative and administrative priorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24946/96]
Written Answers. - Legislative and Administrative Priorities.
My main priority for 1997 will be to continue to meet the commitment contained in the programme for Government and the commitments which will be contained in the new national programme currently being finalised and, in the immediate future, to give effect to the social welfare provisions which will be announced in the forthcoming budget. Those provisions requiring legislation will be provided for in the Social Welfare Bill following the budget.
The administrative priorities I am setting out for the coming year will include the effective and efficient implementation of the budget provisions and the continued implementation of the Strategic Management Initiative (SMI) in my Department as outlined in our Strategy Document "Open, Fair and Caring".
Central to my overall strategy is the protection and development of the social welfare support system and the continued improvement in the delivery of social welfare services with the aim of ensuring value for money, good control, high standards of service, improved process quality, efficiency and accountability.