Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
282 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Question No. 357 of 2 December 2003, if the working group which was reviewing the illness and disability payment schemes has completed its task; if she will publish its report and recommendations; and the steps she is taking on foot of this review. [19671/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe working group on the review of the illness and disability schemes has completed its deliberations and arrangements are currently being made for the printing of its report.
The key elements of this review, which forms part of the expenditure review initiative, include clarifying the objectives of the schemes, identifying gaps and overlaps in the overall provision, examining overall trends in numbers and expenditure, examining the extent to which schemes support access to work, training or rehabilitation, and looking at possible alternative approaches to the design and delivery of social protection for people who are ill and people with disabilities.
I expect this report will be available in the coming weeks and arrangements are being made for its distribution to various interests. In addition, the report will be available on my Department's website, www.welfare.ie. The conclusions of this review will inform the future development of the income maintenance payments for people who are sick and people with disabilities.
