Vol. 493 No. 4
55 Mr. Gormley asked the Taoiseach whether he will give a greater urgency to the study on the basic income option which was announced last year in view of the recently reported significant increase in food prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16458/98]
In line with a commitment under P2000, the Working Group on Basic Income, which operates under the aegis of my Department, is examining the viability and suitability of introducing a system of basic income in Ireland.
My Department has commissioned a study to be carried out in two phases by economic consultants. This independent study will assist the working group in producing as comprehensive and robust a consideration of the subject as possible. The overall purpose of the study is to consider and evaluate the economic, social, budgetary and administrative impact of the introduction of a basic income system.
The first phase, which examines the costs and distributional analysis of a basic income, is currently under way. The second phase, which is presently under tender, will consider the dynamic effects of such a system from a broad economic and social perspective and will draw on the findings of phase I. It is expected the overall study will be completed by the end of the year.
Once the findings of the independent study are available, the question of a basic income will be considered in detail by the Government and a Green Paper will be published as per An Action Programme for the Millennium.
