Michael D. Higgins
Question:60 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his Department has carried out recent research or surveys into poverty among carers. [5744/01]
Written Answers. - Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Brian O'Shea
Question:62 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his Department or its agencies have carried out any recent research or surveys into poverty among the elderly. [5743/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 62 together.
The National Council on Ageing and Older People advises the Minister for Health and Children on all aspects of the ageing and welfare of older people. In this regard, it has published a large body of research into poverty among older people and carers.
In my Department, this research has been extremely useful and has contributed to various publications such as the review of the carer's allowance, the review of the free schemes and the review of the qualifying conditions for the old age, contributory, and retirement pensions.
The Department also funds the Economic and Social Research Institute in relation to research on the national anti-poverty strategy and other areas relevant to the work of this Department. In this regard, a study entitled Non-cash Benefits and Poverty in Ireland will be published by the ESRI shortly.
This report focuses on the impact of the free schemes on poverty and which groups and types of households benefit. As part of the monitoring of the NAPS, the ESRI also publish reports on poverty trends and dynamics. All of this research and analyses forms part of the policy formulation process.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 47.
Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 60.