Written Answers. - Family Support Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
360
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Social and Family Affairs
if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the current economic climate has placed a severe burden on couples who would have hoped to raise a family; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that it is now generally accepted that some couples can no longer afford to have children; the likely consequences of such a trend; if she has proposals to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[29304/03]
I am very conscious of the pressures on families and family life arising from the major changes taking place in our society. These include demographic, social and cultural changes, economic developments, technological innovation, changing employment patterns, migration, the quest for equality between men and women, and widening opportunities for women.
In Ireland one of the most significant recent changes affecting family life has been the substantial growth in female employment. Over the past 20 years it has more than doubled among women in the younger age groups, to reach a stage where it is now above the EU average. I very much welcome these developments. They provide many women with equal opportunities with men in all spheres of life and especially greater economic independence. The income generated also contributes significantly to improving the family's standard of living.
A major challenge, however, is how best can we support women and men in these situations reconcile work and family life especially where they have caring responsibilities for children and other dependent family members. Having children can have a significant impact on a couple's standard of living, and this is added to with larger families and for lone parents. Children in larger families and in lone parent families are at greatest risk of poverty. An economic downturn can exacerbate these problems for all families.
Ireland currently has a comprehensive range of supports, both income and otherwise, for families. I am committed to maintaining these supports in real terms. However, these also require ongoing modernisation to meet the rapidly changing realities of modern life.
As part of this modernisation process, I have launched a nation wide consultation on strengthening families and family life. This is currently taking place by means of a series of regional fora. These have already taken place in Donegal, Kilkenny, Cork and Galway, with the final forum scheduled for Dublin on 4 December. A thematic report on the outcome is due for publication in January to mark the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family. This will provide a basis for a further wider debate on strengthening families and family life during the international year.
These changes to families and family life are not, of course, confined to Ireland, but are also occurring and being addressed in most other countries. To get a good international perspective on the matter and learn from the experience of other countries, Ireland has participated in an important OECD study on family friendly policies entitled, Bosses and Babies. The second volume of the study, featuring Ireland, Austria and Japan, has just been published and is already generating a lively and informed debate on the issues.
I have also arranged for the Irish Presidency, in co-operation with the EU Commission, to host a major international conference entitled Families, Change and European Social Policy, to take place in Dublin on 13 and 14 May, to coincide with the eve of the International Day of the Family on 15 May. This is designed to provide the new enlarged EU of 25 member states with an opportunity to reflect on how we can strengthen families, and how member states can support each other in doing so.
At the end of the debate and reflection at national and international levels, it is my intention to issue a comprehensive strategy for an integrated policy to strengthen families and family life in which full account will be taken of the findings of the process.
Question No. 361 answered with Question No. 64.
