Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:49 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs whether he has satisfied himself that sufficient progress is being made to reduce poverty and social exclusion. [14287/98]
Written Answers. - Poverty and Social Exclusion.
This Government has made it one of its main priorities to reduce the numbers living in poverty in Ireland and to make progress towards a more inclusive society. On several fronts, my Department is working closely with other Departments and State agencies to develop comprehensive policies that address the problems associated with social exclusion that afflict a significant minority in society.
Commitment to this approach has been emphasised through the establishment of the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and Drugs, including local development. The committee — which first met in October of last year — meets on a monthly basis.
The National Anti-Poverty Strategy, which occupied much of its first year of operation with the establishment of structures to underpin the process, has made encouraging progress, particularly in relation to unemployment. Already, more than 40 per cent of the unemployment target set in the NAPS has been achieved and I am confident the goal of reducing the unemployment figure to 6 per cent will be achieved long before the 2007 target date. Recent figures show that unemployment had fallen to 9.4 per cent by March 1998, reduced from 11.9 per cent in April 1996. Similarly, long-term unemployment had fallen to 5.6 per cent, an encouraging reduction from the level of 7 per cent that existed just over two years ago.
In relation to income adequacy, 94 per cent of welfare recipients are now receiving at least the minimum payment recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare. In fact, the vast majority of people relying on social welfare payments are receiving amounts above those recommended by the Commission.
Implementation of the NAPS also required relevant Government Departments to produce baseline documents and annual workplans to provide a comprehensive indication of where current policy impacts on social exclusion and poverty. Cross-departmental initiatives arising from the examination of these documents are currently being drawn up. My Department's baseline document — which, in effect, is a major social inclusion strategy, together with key action points and possible areas for co-operation on cross-cutting initiatives — will be published in the coming weeks.
The preparation of guidelines for poverty proofing major Government policy proposals is currently being addressed in the context of the NAPS and in the context of the provision in Partnership 2000.
It is also recognised by this Government that the involvement, in the NAPS process, of those experiencing poverty and social exclusion is vital if meaningful progress is to be made. The publication next year of a White Paper on the relationship between the voluntary and community sector and the State will help clarify the nature of such involvement. The Combat Poverty Agency has also commissioned a study on consultation mechanisms between the State and the voluntary and community sector. It is expected that the study will make suggestions on future arrangements in this area. A steering committee, comprising departmental officials, voluntary and community sector representation, and an independent chair, will oversee the work of this study.
I believe, therefore, that considerable progress is being made in the drive to reduce poverty and social exclusion. One cannot, however, be complacent and I, along with my Government colleagues, will continue with the concerted drive we have undertaken in this area.