Vol. 517 No. 6
64 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his proposals for a review of the national anti-poverty strategy by the NESF; when the review is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10517/00]
The new focus of the NESF – on monitoring and analysing the implementation of specific measures and programmes, especially those concerned with social inclusion – opens up valuable new opportunities for the implementation of public policy.
As part of this new role, the NESF recently held a plenary on the national anti-poverty strategy (NAPS) which I addressed. This plenary was an important part of a process that will lead to the production of an NESF opinion on NAPS which will examine the process over the last three years. I look forward to seeing the forum's report.
The Combat Poverty Agency has carried out an initial assessment of the NAPS and this will be launched at a national conference –"Planning for a more Inclusive Society"– on 11 May.
The NESF opinion, when considered together with the Combat Poverty Agency's assessment, will provide us with a very good overview of developments to date and will contribute to policy development in relation to NAPS.
The new partnership agreement – Programme for Prosperity and Fairness' – provides for the updating of the NAPS. The methodology underlying the strategy will be reviewed, existing targets reviewed and revised where appropriate. In particular, new targets will be considered under the themes of child poverty, women's poverty, health, older people, and housing/ accommodation. This process will be completed during the first 18 months of the programme.
As part of the overall NAPS review, the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has been asked to undertake a review of the poverty proofing process. Poverty proofing is a major tool in assisting Government to build an inclusive society by keeping social inclusion to the fore in policy making at all times. It is intended that the outcome of the review will enhance the current process and help address any difficulties that may constrain its effective implementation.
