Vol. 534 No. 3
61 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the plans which are under way at his Department to establish the social insurance fund board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10480/01]
As the Deputy is aware, the social insurance fund is in a healthy financial situation at the moment and, on the basis of current projections, this position will strengthen in the immediate years ahead. It is therefore important that the fund and its surplus should be used to best advantage having regard to emerging demands and the overall interests of its contributors.
In this context, my colleague, the Minister for Finance, announced in the previous budget that an examination would take place to identify possible strategies in this regard. This examination has already begun and officials from my Department are participating in the process. It is anticipated that this examination will be completed before next December. The establishment of a social insurance board will be considered in the light of the outcome of the examination under way and the relevant social partners will be fully consulted regarding all the issues surrounding the formation of such a board.
