Vol. 510 No. 4
15 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recently published National Economic and Social Council report, Opportunities, Challenges and Capacities for Choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22714/99]
40 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Finance his views on the NESC recommendation that child benefit should be increased and made liable for income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22520/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 40 together.
I welcome the conclusions and recommendations in the NESC strategy report which was prepared by the council in response to a request from the Taoiseach for a strategy report in relation to a new national programme of social partnership. The report outlines a vision for the development of Irish society over the coming decade together with a comprehensive and imaginative strategy to achieve a wide range of objectives. The report reflects the aspirations of all sectors of society by addressing the challenges faced by Ireland in the new global world economy. The recommendations, including those related to child benefit will be carefully considered by the Government in the context of budgetary preparations, in the discussions on a successor agreement to Partnership 2000 and as an input to other important policy decisions in the years ahead.
Is the Minister satisfied with income levels in Border areas? In spite of funds being made available through agencies such as the Peace and Reconciliation Fund and the International Fund for Ireland, incomes are not sufficient. Few industries have been brought in from outside and road structures are difficult. Is the Minister aware of the difficulties which exist in those areas? Only 20 per cent of money from funds such as those I have mentioned is spent on the southern side of the Border. Some Members of the House appear to think Border counties are given large amounts of funding, but we do not get as much as is believed.
The views put forward by Deputy Crawford have been taken into account by the Government in all its recent policy initiatives. The questions asked by Deputies O'Sullivan and Fitzgerald did not relate to the Border region, but I congratulate the Deputy on introducing his region to the discussion. These things will be borne in mind.
