Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013
353. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection when the report on the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare, specifically in relation to child benefit, is expected to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6582/13]
View answerCreating jobs and tackling poverty are two of the key challenges that Ireland now faces and it is essential that our tax and social protection systems play their part in addressing these issues. To this end, and in line with commitments contained in the Programme for Government, I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare in 2011, with the aim of harnessing expert opinion and experience to examine a number of specific issues and make cost effective proposals for improving employment incentives and achieving better poverty outcomes, particularly child poverty outcomes.
The Group’s overall method of working is based on producing modular reports on the priority areas identified in the terms of reference. The Group commenced its work programme by prioritising the area of family and child income supports and subsequently submitted its report to me. Since receiving the report I have been considering the Group’s findings and have held discussions with my Ministerial colleagues on the issues raised in the report. I intend to publish the Advisory Group’s report on this issue in the near future.
