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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Insurance.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

69 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when the social insurance fund board will be established with representation from the social partners in view of the commitment given in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10530/00]

The 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 begin 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. The nature and role 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 need to examine 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 will have to be taken into account. Finally, the role of a new boardvis-à-vis the Pensions Board given the latter's existing role in providing advice regarding pensions, including those pensions paid from the fund, will also need to be given detailed consideration.
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