Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:80 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself that he is able to meet the commitments given to date in 1997 from his existing allocation. [12403/97]
Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.
All of the commitments, which involve additional expenditure, that I have made this year in relation to improving the social welfare services have been provided for in the budget. I am satisfied that the allocation which has been provided for my Department in this year's revised estimates for public services is sufficient to meet these commitments.
This year's budget package, which will cost £214.69 million in a full year, represents the biggest ever transfer of resources to social welfare recipients. For example, all personal rates of payment are being increased by £3 a week, with a further £1.50 increase in all payments in respect of qualified adults. This represents increases of between 4 per cent and 5 per cent for all social welfare recipients. When viewed against the backdrop of continuing low inflation, the significant extra assistance which has been provided represents very real gains for social welfare recipients.
During its period in office, the Government has ensured that the benefits of our economic growth and prosperity have been shared with all sections of our society, especially those in greatest need. This has been achieved through the injection of well over half a billion pounds, £588 million, in additional support for those who are dependent on social welfare.
These very significant additional resources have enabled me to undertake a substantial programme of social welfare reform, which is designed to improve the financial position of everyone in need, while at the same time providing real incentives for people to avail of employment opportunities. These extra resources have also enabled me to tackle poverty and social exclusion, by channelling extra resources directly at those who are at greatest risk, such as larger families and families on low incomes, through substantial increases in child benefit, accompanied by real reform of the family income supplement scheme.
The reforms which I have introduced in the social welfare system make it more work friendly, more family friendly, more caring for the sick and elderly and more focused on tackling poverty and social exclusion.
Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:81 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he has satisfied himself that he is able to meet the commitments given to date in 1997 from his existing allocation. [12404/97]
I am satisfied that projected expenditure for 1997 will be met from within the allocations to the Tourism and Trade Vote as published recently in the revised Estimates for the Public Service 1997.