Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:489 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has proposals to reform and improve the social welfare system; and if so, the details of same. [4781/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Reform.
The Government has made significant improvements to the social welfare system in recent years resulting in significant falls in the number of persons in consistent poverty and in real improvements in the quality of life of persons dependent on the system. Examples of which are as follows: social welfare spending will have risen by over €4.5 billion in the period between 1997 and 2003 – well in excess of the rate of inflation; payments rates for both recipients and their families have improved very considerably in real terms; there has been a major increase in the level of resources devoted to child benefit; and significant structural improvements have been made to the social welfare system.
Despite a less favourable economic environment than in previous years, the Government is committed to further improvement in the system over the coming years. In our programme for Government we have committed to the achievement of a basic pension of at least €200 by 2003 and other improvements in provisions for sur vivors. We will also complete the programme of substantial increase in child benefit.
We will implement the revised national anti-poverty strategy including the achievement of a rate of €150 a week in 2002 terms for the lowest rates of social welfare to be met by 2007. In addition significant advances are being made to improve the delivery of schemes and services. This will continue to be the focus of attention over the period ahead.