The annual report of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 2001, provides a timely reminder that, notwithstanding the outstanding economic success achieved over recent years, we must continue to focus attention on the needs of the most vulnerable sectors of our society. The Government shares the commitment of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to the achievement of an inclusive and fair society, and this commitment is reflected in particular in the budgetary policies we have implemented.
The 2002 budget provides for an increase in welfare spending of £850 million, matching the record increase provided for in the 2001 budget. This means that, over the lifetime of this Government, the social welfare budget has increased by almost two-thirds, from £4.5 billion in 1997 to £7.4 million or 9.4 billion in 2002. With regard to social welfare rates we are providing a general increase of £8 or 10.16 per week in respect of customers under pension or retirement age, a rise of 7.4% to 9.4% depending on the payment concerned. In addition we are providing a special increase of £9.50 or 12.06 for those on the lowest rates of social welfare, supplementary welfare allowance and short-term unemployment assistance. This brings the lowest social welfare rates up to £93.60 or 118.80. In terms of overall poverty levels, the 1998 Living in Ireland survey shows significant reductions in the levels of consistent poverty in Ireland since 1994. Consistent poverty fell from 15% in 1994 to 8% in 1998, and we are therefore well on our way to achieving our revised national anti-poverty strategy target of below 5% by 2004. It is not clear, in this context, what source the Deputy is using in his reference to one in five of the population living on incomes of less than £90 per week i.e. 114.28.
The success of policies over recent years in combating unemployment and reducing the level of consistent poverty demonstrates a tangible improvement in the lot of those on lower incomes notwithstanding the very rapid increase in average incomes driven by economic success. Our commitment is to strive towards the creation of an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity and incentive to participate in the social and economic life of the country. We have given practical effect to that commitment in our economic, labour market and budgetary policies. The 2002 budget demonstrates in the clearest possible terms our ability to deliver in this regard.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 52.
