Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2012
24 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made on the single working age payment process; if she anticipates reductions in social welfare assistance expenditure through the creation of the model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4374/12]
View answerIn November 2010, my Department published a "Report on the Desirability and Feasibility of introducing a Single Payment for People of Working Age". The report concluded that it was both desirable and feasible to move to a single payment over time. There is a commitment contained in the agreedEU/ECB/IMF Programme of Financial Support, that Ireland will present a comprehensive programme of reforms for the social welfare system to the Troika by the end of quarter 1 2012. This programme of reforms is expected to contain an implementation plan for the introduction of the single payment.
In July 2011, my Department held a consultation seminar with relevant stakeholders. The aim of this seminar was to provide stakeholders with an overview of the Department's report on the single payment and to give them an opportunity to contribute towards the future policy direction of the single payment An internal working group within the Department of Social Protection has been established and has commenced work on designing the single payment. My Department will also engage with other Departments in relation to the provision of the necessary supports and services to assist recipients of a single payment to progress into employment. Following the work of these groups, a report will be prepared for the Minister. No decisions have been made on the structure of the single payment; those will be matters for Government in due course.
