The Combat Poverty Agency which was established in September 1986 provides regular advice and reports to me on poverty-related social and economic issues, while the National Pensions Board established in February 1986 provides a similar service on pensions-related issues.
As part of the on-going administration of my Department committees of officials are frequently established on an ad hoc basis to examine particular problems or issues. For instance, as announced by the Minister for Finance in his budget statement, an inter-departmental study is to be undertaken this year into the operation of the PRSI system. Apart from these, committees or working groups are formally established from time to time to report on particular issues. In May 1989 the review group on the treatment of households in the social welfare system was established to examine the social welfare code in so far as it affects households with particular regard to the equal treatment provisions. The review group is expected to complete its deliberations within the next few months.