Vol. 441 No. 8
41 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress that has been made by the expert group on the closer integration of the tax and social welfare system; if it is proposed to publish its recommendations; and if it is proposed to consult Dáil Éireann on these recommendations.
The expert working group on the integration of the tax and social welfare systems was established last July by my colleague Deputy Burton, Minister of State. The terms of reference of the group are: "To identify the problems arising from the interaction of the tax and social welfare systems and to identify the steps necessary to achieve greater co-ordination/integration of the two systems, with particular attention to the impact on people's incomes, and to the tax code, social welfare system, budgetary and administrative implications."
The Minister of State asked the working group to furnish an interim report on measures which could be undertaken in the 1994 budget to reduce poverty traps and increase incentives to work. The working groups has presented its interim report to the Minister of State, and its findings were released in mid-January. Copies of the interim report were placed in the Oireachtas Library. I am arranging to have a copy of the report sent to the Deputy.
The working group made two specific recommendations for the budget. The first of these relates to the means test for lone parent's allowance and the second relates to the arrangement whereby employers of medical card holders are liable for the employees' health contribution and employment and training levy. Both of these issues were addressed in the budget, and the necessary legislation was included in the recent Social Welfare Act.
The working group has been asked to furnish its final report before the end of this year. Once the report has been received, a decision will be taken on how best to disseminate its findings.
