Written Answers. - Departmental Studies.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:
264
Mrs. O'Rourke
asked the
Minister for Social Welfare
the number of reviews and studies undertaken by consultants or ordered from within his Department since he became Minister; the purpose of each of these studies; the action, if any, which has followed since completion; and the cost of each review or study.
[2071/97]
As part of its normal business, the Department has a wide range of reviews of its activities in progress at any one time. Most of these are carried out by staff of the Department as part of their normal work. From time to time the Department engages external assistance to provide expert technical advice of a specialised nature and to provide strategic advice.
Since 16 December 1994 consultancy assistance was commissioned in respect of the projects listed below. Details of the status of each project, the costs to date of each review, and subsequent action are also given.
1. A survey and analysis of rent and mortgage supplements was commissioned as an extension to a related study commissioned by the Department of the Environment. Material provided as a result of this consultancy has been used in the review of the increase in expenditure of rent and mortgage supplements under SWA between 1989 and 1995. Cost: £2,500.
2. A national survey of occupational and personal pension schemes. The report was published on 30 October 1996.
A national pensions initiative was launched which will facilitate a national debate on how to work toward a national pensions system consistent with the aim of providing pension benefits which maintain a reasonable relationship with previous income levels so that established standards of living can be maintained. Cost: £48,400.
3. A study on the costs of social housing.
Material provided as a result of this consultancy has been used in the review of the increase in expenditure of rent and mortgage supplements under SWA between 1989 and 1995.
An interdepartmental committee has been set up to examine the major issues involved in transferring the administration of rent and mortgage supplementation to the local authorities. Cost: £12,100.
4. A review of the purpose, functions and activities of the Combat Poverty Agency was carried out and a report published in December 1996. The findings are being evaluated. Cost: £36,603.
5. Review of Department's information systems strategy.
This review formed part of the information system planning process within the Department. A project to restructure the IS function has been initiated. Cost: £76,632.
6. Review of security and risk analysis relating to the Department's computer processing sites. Results of the review are being taken into account in planning the reorganisation of computer processing arrangements. Cost: £9,438.
7. Consultancy assistance was sought to assess the impact of year 2000 and the EU single currency on the Department's computer systems. This project is still under way. Cost: £125,235.
8. Consultancy assistance was obtained to evaluate the impact of the back to work allowance scheme. The final report from the consultants is awaited. Cost: £95,151.
9. Business process re-engineering study of the Department's long-term schemes. This project is still under way. Cost: £332,750.
10. Assistance with the analysis of supplementary welfare allowance survey data. This project has been completed and the analysis is being used in the planning process. Cost: £968.
11. Advice on security aspects in the use of the social services card. Cost: £6,534.
12. Review of the Department's information dissemination function.
The recommendations were used for information services planning, including the establishment of the Internet site. Cost: £44,715.
13. Consultancy assistance was sought in connection with the analysis of staffing and case loads of the money advice and budgeting service. The analysis is being used on an ongoing basis. Cost: £10,000.
14. An independent market research survey was commissioned on the services provided by the Department.
The findings of the survey are being used in the development of the strategic management initiative within the Department in relation to the key strategic areas. Cost: £48,156.
15. Evaluation of the social impact of the possible establishment of a casino in Ireland. Cost: £2,966.
16. Preparation of a study on institutional mechanisms in the context of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy. This work has been completed and the study material is being used by the Inter Departmental Policy Committee on the National Anti-Poverty Strategy. £9,600.
17. Evaluation of family resource centres. Work still in progress. Cost: £4,000.
18. Review of the Department's benefits and pension application forms and procedures.
This study has just been completed and the results are being evaluated in the context of the further development of services. Cost: £7,260.
19. Review of funding schemes for women's groups. Work still in progress. Cost: £5,340.
20. Review of National Fuel scheme. Final report is awaited. Cost: £15,488.
21. Preparation of discussion document on the voluntary and community sector. Work still in progress. Cost: £10,000.
22. ESRI — Review of minimum adequate payment rates as recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare.
The report was published in December 1996. Cost: £42,000.
