I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 5, and 6 together.
As I indicated previously to the House, the working group on basic income commissioned a study to be carried out in two phases. 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. Phase one of the study, which covers the costs and distributional aspects of basic income and entails a considerable amount of detailed analysis of costings, taxation and social welfare matters, is virtually completed.
When the draft report on phase one was considered by the working group, it identified a number of modifications to the basic income structure being analysed. This was envisaged in the terms of reference for phase one. The further analysis required as a result has been carried out by the ESRI and the results and the final report on phase one are expected later this month or at least before the end of the year.
Work is well under way on the second phase of the study which will evaluate the economic, social, budgetary and administrative impact of the introduction of a basic income system. I understand that the working group met to review progress in the past few days, and that the study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.