Vol. 553 No. 2
122 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the membership and terms of reference of the review group examining the statutory redundancy scheme; when she expects the group to report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13633/02]
Last April I set up a group to carry out a comprehensive review of the redundancy payments scheme. Its membership comprises one representative from each of the following organisations: IBEC, CIF, the Departments of the Taoiseach, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Finance and Social and Family Affairs and two representatives from ICTU. The group is chaired by an assistant secretary from my Department.
The review group has the following terms of reference: to review the operation of the scheme funded from the Social Insurance Fund and operating on the basis of the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2001; to identify the legislative, administrative and system requirements for a more effective, efficient, simpler and customer service driven scheme, adapted to an e-Government environment; to examine the benefits payable under the scheme and to develop options for Government and social partner consideration; and to report to me within four months with recommendations and costings of the various proposals. The group is working to schedule and I expect to receive its report by the end of July.
An Agreed Programme for Government provides that the recommendations of the review will be examined with a view to implementation.
