Pat Upton
Ceist:186 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reports from outside agencies which were commissioned by his Department for each of the years since 1990; and the cost of production of each report. [8631/95]
Written Answers. - Departmental Reports.
In 1991, my Department engaged in a research contract with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) valued at £102,000 to be paid over the years 1991, 1992 and 1993. As part of this contract, the ESRI researched two main project areas; a computer based modelling of the tax liabilities and social welfare entitlements of households, and the duration and dynamics of poverty.
The ESRI has used the model to research a number of areas of interest to my Department including the family income supplement scheme and this was published by the ESRI in January of this year under the title "Supplementing Family Income". The report on the dynamics of poverty was published by the ESRI in December 1994. A national survey and research programmes on income distribution, poverty and social services have been commissioned in 1994 at a cost of £150,000.
Other reports commissioned since 1990 were:
|
Costs |
|
|
£ |
|
|
1. Review of Family Income Sup- plement (1990) |
230 |
|
2. OECD Study of Private Sector Pension Arrangements (1990) |
12,542 |
|
3. Review of the Back to Work Allowance Scheme (1994) |
3,727 |
In addition, my Department is involved in the production of reports byad hoc groups of public servants and outside experts to examine and make recommendations on policy issues. Costings are not available of these activities.
As part of its ongoing business, my Department from time to time engages consultancy assistance principally to assist in the development of the computer systems aimed at modernising service delivery and to provide analysis of specific organisational issues. Most consultancies relate to technical and/or management support with projects that are designed to improve the delivery of the services of my Department.