Vol. 546 No. 3
56 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the progress made to date by the Working Group on Administrative Individualisation; when it is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31602/01]
The working group to which the Deputy refers was established in October 2000 under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to produce proposals to progress the implementation of administrative individualisation within the social welfare system. The working group comprises representatives of the social partners, the Department of Finance and my Department and is chaired by an officer of my Department. The group has met on a total of five occasions.
The group's discussions to date have identified a number of key issues requiring detailed and careful examination. The work in this regard is at an advanced stage and the working group are due to meet again on Thursday next, 13 December 2001.
Further progress on administrative individualisation will depend on the outcome of the working group's deliberations. I hope to have the report of the group by the end of the year.
