Written Answers. - Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
John Bruton
Question:
35
Mr. J. Bruton
asked the
Taoiseach
if dates have been set for the quarterly meetings of members of the four pillars, under the auspices of his Department, which will be held to review and monitor the operation of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7745/00]
John Bruton
Question:
36
Mr. J. Bruton
asked the
Taoiseach
the process the Government will use over the period of the PPF agreement to progressively introduce social inclusion measures, other than social welfare and child care measures, reflecting the priorities under the framework, which will cost not less than £200 million in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7747/00]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:
37
Mr. Quinn
asked the
Taoiseach
the contacts or discussions, if any, he has had since 2 March 2000 with trade union leaders on the confusion which had arisen on the tax commitments in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness; the steps, if any, he has taken or plans to take to clarify the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7814/00]
John Bruton
Question:
38
Mr. J. Bruton
asked the
Taoiseach
the reason it is necessary to establish, in accordance with paragraph 3.6 of framework III of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, an interdepartmental committee to identify and clarify the range of existing and proposed social inclusion measures in the national development plan; the respects, if any, in which the existing measures are not clear; the reason, if any, they are not identified; and the terms of reference of the proposed interdepartmental committee.
[7991/00]
John Bruton
Question:
39
Mr. J. Bruton
asked the
Taoiseach
the criteria which will be used in selecting the 25 areas to be designated for a prioritised list of social inclusion measures in accordance with paragraph 3.6.3 of framework III of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness; if the selection will be approved by and subject to amendment by Dáil Éireann; and the measures, if any, which will be available in these geographic areas over and above those which will be available in neighbouring geographic areas which will not have been designated as on the priority list of areas.
[7992/00]
John Bruton
Question:
40
Mr. J. Bruton
asked the
Taoiseach
if he will make a statement on the outcome of the ICTU special delegate conference on 23 March 2000 to endorse the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
[8773/00]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:
41
Mr. Quinn
asked the
Taoiseach
if he will make a statement on the outcome of the votes by the ICTU and IBEC on the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
[8833/00]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:
42
Mr. Quinn
asked the
Taoiseach
when the first quarterly meeting of the four pillars under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness will be held; the proposed agenda for the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[8834/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 to 42, inclusive, together.
The very strong endorsements by the ICTU and IBEC last week of the Programme for Pros perity and Fairness represent a very welcome step in the continuance of social partnership. These followed on from the equally welcome support given by farming and community and voluntary organisations. The way is now clear for the relevant Ministers and Departments to put in train the necessary arrangements for implementation of the many ambitious aims set out in the programme.
Part 3 of framework V of the programme sets out the overall monitoring mechanisms which will apply. These include quarterly meetings with the four pillars under the auspices of my Department and including one meeting each year to be chaired by myself. It is envisaged at this stage that three meetings will take place this year, the first in mid-April and the remaining two in July and October.
Regarding the social inclusion provisions in paragraph 3.6 of the programme, the clarification relates especially to the identification of measures that will be speedily implemented as part of the targeted investment programme in disadvantaged areas, once selected. Having regard to the holistic approach which will be required to tackle the complex social issues in these areas, the scoping exercise to be done is necessary to ensure the effective targeting and co-ordination of resources. It is not, as seems to be implied in the question, that the social inclusion measures in the national development plan lack clarity.
The processes and criteria to be used in identifying the designated areas and delivering these measures will be pursued in the early period of the programme involving, as necessary, consultations with the social partners. The criteria will have regard to established precedent and good practice in the use of objective indicators of social disadvantage.
With regard to the progressive introduction of social inclusion measures over the period of the programme, these will form part of the normal budgetary process over the next three years in consultation with the social partners and will be announced in that context. The social partners have already indicated priorities within the framework of the programme.
The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness covers budgets 2001 to 2003, inclusive, and it provides that there will be increases in net take-home pay, including pay increases, of up to 25% or more. The effects of budget 2000 will, in addition, produce significant increases in take-home pay during the period of the programme but these are not part of the programme's terms. While a specific tax package is not set out in the programme, in the light of experience under previous agreements and the prospects under the new programme, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions judged that the average taxpayer would receive increases of 10% in take-home pay arising from tax changes in the next three budgets. The Government responded that this judgment is reasonable having regard to the considerations which I have just outlined.
