Vol. 486 No. 4
53 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on the findings of the most recent household budget survey released by the Central Statistics Office, which revealed growing disparities between the wealthiest and the poorest in our society, and between urban and rural households. [22348/97]
I believe the Deputy is referring to Volume 2 of the Household Budget Survey for 1994/95 which was published in November 1997 by the Central Statistics Office. The previous household budget survey took place in 1987.
It is important to note that the primary purpose of the surveys is to determine in detail the current pattern of household expenditure for the purposes of updating the weighting basis of the consumer price index. However, additional information is also gathered, including household income details.
In relation to the disparity between the wealthiest and the poorest households, the survey shows that the average disposable income per head of the highest income households was three times that of the lowest income households, as opposed to 2.9 times in 1987. I should add that the household budget survey indicates that comparisons between the income levels of different groups of households could be quite misleading and should be avoided particularly where income sources differ appreciably — this is especially relevant when comparing urban and rural households.
The Government is aware of the extent of marginalisation in society. An Action Programme for the Millennium recognises the need to establish a more inclusive society. In relation to rural development, a key priority is to proof all policies to ensure that they do not discriminate against rural areas.
The 1998 budget addressed many of the issues affecting social inclusion. In relation to areas covered by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs progress was made on a number of fronts. There was a real increase in welfare rates, especially for the elderly. Family income supplement will, later this year, be calculated on a net basis and the income threshold was increased by £7, (the average weekly payment will increase by £11). In addition provision was made for an extra 5,000 places on the back to work allowance scheme.
In other areas of public policy the social inclusion agenda has been addressed by, for instance, the provision of an additional £2 million for adult literacy, an additional £3 million for people with physical or sensory disabilities and the special tax allowance for the long-term unemployed.
