Vol. 517 No. 4
31 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]
32 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]
33 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]
34 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]
35 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]
36 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]
37 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the outcome of the votes by ICTU and IBEC on the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. [8833/00]
38 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]
39 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on social inclusion measures in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. [9930/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 to 39, inclusive, together.
The very strong endorsements by ICTU and IBEC of the Programme for Prosperity 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, including one meeting each year to be chaired by myself. It is envisaged, at this stage, that three meetings will take place this year and the dates will be fixed shortly.
In the area of social inclusion, the programme contains a very significant and comprehensive range of measures which are designed to address social exclusion and inequality urgently and effectively. As well as providing for a substantial increase in the resources allocated to social inclusion, amounting to £1.5 billion in 2003, the programme also sets out a process to ensure that everyone is involved in the development of the economy and society. The overall aim is to enhance the social, working and living environment of all citizens, especially those who through no fault of their own have not yet felt the material benefit of our economic success.
Frameworks III and IV of the programme set out the range of measures to address poverty and social exclusion. I do not propose to go through the list as Deputies will no doubt be aware of the contents of these frameworks. Some of the key components include commitments on income adequacy, social and affordable housing, health care, tackling educational disadvantage and policies to promote equality and eliminate discrimination.
