Written Answers. - Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:
61
Mr. Gilmore
asked the
Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs
if he will expand on his suggestion that there is a need for a new model of approach which cuts the cycle of poverty currently in operation as outlined at the recent launch of his Department's Social Inclusion Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[18684/98]
The publication of my Department's social inclusion strategy, as part of the development of the national anti-poverty strategy, NAPS, marks a new stage in the development of social policy. It finally lays to rest the myth that the alleviation of poverty is simply a case of increasing social welfare benefits.
This Government has pledged itself to achieving a socially inclusive society and to addressing the structural causes of poverty as it affects a significant minority in our society. This pledge is reflected in the Government programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium.
The progression of the NAPS has increasingly recognised that a multi-dimensional problem like poverty requires an answer that transcends sectoral departmental responses. As part of the response to this challenge, this Government is implementing one of the key elements of the NAPS which is more focused and co-ordinated action among Departments in order to meet the targets set out in the areas of educational disadvantage, unemployment, income adequacy, disadvantaged urban areas and rural poverty.
All this obviously requires a new model of approach, new structures, and the inclusion of new actors in the policy process. In developing a new model of approach we must look at investing in our society in the longer term. The need for investment in our infrastructure has been highlighted in recent reports. We must also invest in our social infrastructure in schools, in hospitals and health care, and in pensions.
In the same way that our economy cannot develop without the necessary physical infrastructure, so our society cannot develop without a proper social infrastructure. Rather than seeing such investment as a drain on resources, it must be recognised as a productive investment in our people and in our economy. This is the new model of approach which we need to adopt.
The Cabinet committee has agreed action on two cross-departmental issues — homelessness and literacy among the unemployed. Working groups made up of representatives of key Departments and agencies are currently examining ways to progress these initiatives. The committee has also approved the development of an initiative aimed at providing an integrated package of support for lone parents.
Another major recent initiative has been the decision to introduce a mechanism for assessing the impact of policies on people in poverty or at risk of falling into poverty in the policy-making process. Referred to as poverty proofing, this initiative means that significant policy proposals are assessed to establish the impact they have on the most vulnerable groups in society.
I am also seeking to identify additional players who can assist in promoting all aspects of social inclusion. In the case of the business sector, I have established, in conjunction with the employers' bodies, a steering committee to bring into being later this year a new foundation to support voluntary and community activity. I provided £750,000 for the establishment of such a body in this year's budget. This joint venture between employers and the State will provide a new source of funding and support for voluntary and community activity in Ireland, underlining business people's commitment towards a process of social inclusion in disadvantaged areas.
My Department is developing a White Paper on the relationship between the State and the voluntary sector. I have established a steering committee which includes representatives from a number of Departments and from across the voluntary sector to progress the issue.
The White Paper will be an important landmark in the developing role of the voluntary and community sector and its relationship with the State and I am committed to full consultation with the sector in the process of developing the White Paper.
This is another step in advancing the "new model of approach" to which the Deputy referred and one which will assist in this Government's commitment to tackling the societal processes which run counter to our aim of building an inclusive society.
