Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2009
114 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her Department has met with the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3234/09]
View answer126 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the types of social welfare benefits that the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programme will be examining. [3202/09]
View answer157 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programme is expected to report back to her on proposed changes in social welfare spending. [3203/09]
View answer164 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions she has had with the group established to identify potential cost savings in the public sector in relation to possible cutbacks in her Department’s expenditure and specifically in relation to the half-rate carers payment. [3218/09]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 126, 157 and 164 together.
The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was established by the Minister for Finance to examine current expenditure programmes in each Department and to make recommendations for reducing public service numbers so as to ensure a return to sustainable public finances. The Group will make periodic reports to the Minister for Finance and will submit its final report by the end of June 2009.
Neither I, nor officials of the Department, have had discussions with the Group to date. Indeed, the Group is not scheduled to examine the Department's expenditure until early April 2009.
