Ivor Callely
Ceist:70 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress, if any, made by the Commission on the Family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8939/96]
Written Answers. - Commission on the Family.
Following proposals I put forward to the Government, the Commission on the Family was established with the following terms of reference:
—to raise public awareness and improve understanding of issues affecting families;
—to examine the effects of legislation and policies on families and make recommendations to the Government on proposals which would strengthen the capacity of families to carry out their functions in a changing economic and social environment. The commission would also be expected to make proposals to the proposed all-party Committee on the Constitution on any changes which it believes might be necessary in the constitutional provisions in relation to the family. Proposals involving expenditure should as far as practicable be costed;
—to analyse recent economic and social changes affecting the position of families, taking account of relevant research already carried out including reports of commissions — for example, social welfare, taxation, status of women — and relevant working groups — for example, Expert Working Group on Integration of Taxation and Social Welfare, current anti-Poverty Strategy Policy Committee — and carry out limited research as necessary.
The commission will also liaise with the Joint Committee on the Family.
The work of the Commission on the Family is well advanced. The commission has held six meetings to date since it was appointed in October 1995 with more frequent meetings of working groups. Much of the detailed work on the different issues of concern to families is initially being prepared for the commission by working groups comprising commission members with relevant expertise.
One of the commission's first priorities was to initiate a major programme to encourage submissions to assist with its work. To date, over 280 submissions have been received. Submissions have been received from every part of the country from individuals, families and small groups working in local communities. I understand that the commission is very pleased with the response and in view of the interest shown has extended the deadline to 15 May 1996. The commission is providing a freefone advice desk for those who want to make a submission. The freefone number is 1800 30 55 00.
To celebrate UN International Day of Families on 15 May 1996 the commission is holding a forum for local, voluntary and community groups from different parts of the country. At the forum representatives of the broad spectrum of groups who have made submissions to the commission will speak about their own experience in relation to the issues which are important to families.
The commission is also undertaking a special research project to assist with its examination of the needs and priorities of families and has commissioned an expert report on the situation of families in Ireland today.
The Commission on the Family has been asked to make its final report to Government by June 1997 and in that report to make recommendations on how families can best be facilitated in the support and development of individual members. The commission has been asked to provide an interim report by October 1996.