I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 15, 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 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 and the dates will be fixed shortly.
Regarding Deputy Owen's question on the Irish Council for Social Housing, the spirit within which the four pillars in social partnership have operated over recent years suggests the desirability that any organisation wishing to become part of the process should secure the agreement of the appropriate social partner pillar. In the event of a positive response the Government would consider such applications sympathetically, taking due account of such factors as continuance of a fair balance in representation as between the four pillars. The council was advised of the Government's views in this regard but it is my understanding that formal agreement for inclusion under the Community and Voluntary Pillar has yet to be sought. In the context of the new programme, only those organisations involved in its negotiation will be involved in its implementation.
The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness 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 full 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.
The purpose of establishing the interdepartmental committee, referred to in paragraph 3.6 of the programme, is to ensure the substantial increases in funding for social inclusion measures under the national development plan are prioritised towards the areas of greatest need and are co-ordinated and targeted accordingly. To that end, the committee will make recommendations to Government by December 2000 which will enable the 25 most disadvantaged areas to be designated and will ensure that speedy, effective and integrated measures are implemented, taking account of existing and planned delivery mechanisms. There is not, as the question implies, a lack of clarity in the national development plan. It is simply a question of prioritising the social inclusion provisions in the plan towards those areas of greatest need. My Department will participate in the process with the other relevant Departments. Detailed arrangements are the subject of continuing discussion.
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 the 2001 to 2003 budgets, inclusive, and provides that there will be increases in net take-home pay, including pay increases, of up to 25% or more. The effects of the 2000 budget will, in addition, produce significant increases in take-home pay during the period of the programme but these are not in the programme's terms. While a specific tax package is not set out in the programme, in 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.
I am confident that the full implementation of the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness will enable our prosperity to continue and be sustained and I know the social partners are no less committed than the Government to its full implementation.