Vol. 521 No. 1
80 Mr. O'Shea asked the Taoiseach if the interdepartmental committee, promised in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, to identify and clarify the range of existing and proposed social inclusion measures in the national development plan has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15921/00]
The commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness is to ensure that the substantial increases in funding for social inclusion measures under the national development plan are prioritised towards the 25 areas of greatest need and are co-ordinated and targeted accordingly. It was agreed that an interdepartmental committee would identify and clarify the range of existing and proposed social inclusion measures in the national development plan to be included in the programme and to ensure that they are implemented in a speedy, effective and integrated manner, taking account of existing delivery mechanisms.
The interdepartmental committee of senior officials working to the Cabinet committee on social inclusion are addressing this matter and will be reporting to the July meeting of the Cabinet committee. This will set the parameters for the more detailed analysis which will enable the areas, and the related investment programme, to be finalised.
As indicated in the PPF, there will be full consultation with the social partners on this issue. I am confident this will be complete well in advance of the target of next December, set down in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
