Vol. 487 No. 1
4 Mr. Allen asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the recent National Economic and Social Forum report which said that dramatic increases in wealth creation in our economy should not distract attention from our continuing problems of unemployment, poverty and social exclusion. [1188/98]
As the Government outlined in its press statement at the time of the publication of the recent NESF report, it welcomes the various recommendations of the forum and appreciates the important contribution that it has made through its wide-ranging reports and opinions, as evidenced by its work over the past four years.
The Government is very conscious of the importance of addressing the continuing problems as outlined by the Deputy. There are a number of measures in place to do so, as outlined in the Government's programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium, Partnership 2000 and the National Anti-Poverty Strategy. These are monitored on an ongoing basis, and the various social partners are involved in the process.
The Government has also taken specific measures to ensure programmes and resources are directly targeted at areas of disadvantage to combat the very real problems of unemployment, poverty and social exclusion. I refer in particular to the decision to establish a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Social Inclusion, which I am chairing, and the new co-ordinated approach to supporting young people at risk in disadvantaged areas, which I announced on 21 January.
It is important to note that the NESF also commented in their recent report that they remain "satisfied and encouraged with responses received and the actions taken by successive Governments on its recommendations".
