Vol. 481 No. 5
36 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the mechanisms, if any, which are in place within his Department to monitor and implement the National Anti-Poverty Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16433/97]
The national anti-poverty strategy is very much in keeping with the commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium to build a more inclusive society. As a result, there has been a considerable level of activity in this area since I came into office. A strategy unit was established in the Department in early May to co-ordinate the implementation of the anti-poverty strategy and additonal staff were appointed to the unit during the summer.
One of the key objectives identified for the first year of the strategy is to have the concept of social inclusion embedded at political and departmental levels initially and in the wider public service ultimately. Consequently, the main focus of activity to date has been the establishment of the various mechanisms required to achieve this objective.
The NAPS Interdepartmental Policy Committee has met twice and the first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and Drugs (including local development) took place last week. Individual Departments have appointed a liaison officer to fill a communication and co-ordination role and it is through the network of liaison officers that the NAPS unit interacts with Departments.
Drawing on the Programme for Government, Partnership 2000 and NAPS, Departments are currently preparing baseline documents which review the key issues relating to social inclusion in so far as their remit is concerned. The process includes identification of cross-cutting issues. In addition, Departments are drawing up workplans for 1998 that identify clear objectives and targets.
I believe that the adoption of a strategic approach involving all Departments and agencies is the key to building a more inclusive society in the long-term.
