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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Insurance Fund Board.

Derek McDowell

Question:

48 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when he will establish the Social Insurance Fund Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6100/00]

The proposed Programme for Prosperity and Fairness contains a commitment that the establishment of a social insurance fund board with representation from the social partners will be examined. This examination will be commenced in the near future.

One of the issues relevant to the establishment of such a board is the Government decision to part pre-fund social welfare pensions. An interdepartmental working group is currently examining the legislative and operational issues surrounding the creation of such a reserve fund. The role and supervisory structures of a social insurance board will, therefore, need to be considered in the context of the legislative arrangements, including supervisory structures, which will be put in place in respect of the new reserve fund. My colleague, the Minister for Finance will be introducing legislative proposals for the setting up of the reserve fund in the coming months. The examination will also need to take into account the possible roles of a social insurance fund board, the composition of such a board including the role of the social partners, the existing legal responsibilities of myself, as Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, the Minister for Finance and the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to the fund, and the legal responsibility, if any, a new board would have. In addition, the role of a new board vis-à-vis the Pensions Board given the latter's existing role in providing advice regarding pensions, including those pensions paid from the fund, would also need to be given detailed consideration.

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