Alan M. Dukes
Ceist:128 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of commissioned reports which he is currently awaiting from committees, commissions, inter-departmental committees and working groups.
Written Answers. - Commissioned Reports.
As part of the ongoing 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.
Committees or working groups are also 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 in the near future.
The Combat Poverty Agency which was established in September 1986 provides regular advice and reports on poverty-related social and economic issues, while the National Pensions Board, established in February 1986, provides a similar service on pensions-related issues.