Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
472 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will give details of all State or semi-State agencies and boards under the aegis of her Department as of 1 January 1994; the number of State or semi-State agencies and boards under the aegis of her Department as of 1 January 2004; the date of the establishment of such agencies and boards in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20004/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were three statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department on 1 January 1994, the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency and the social welfare tribunal. The remit of the Pensions Board, which was established on 21 December 1990, is to monitor and supervise the operation of the Pensions Act, and pensions developments generally. The remit of the Combat Poverty Agency, which was established on 15 September 1986, is to advise the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on all aspects of economic and social planning in relation to poverty, initiate and evaluate measures aimed at overcoming poverty, and examine and research the nature, causes and extent of poverty in Ireland, and promote greater public understanding of the nature, causes and extent of poverty and the measures necessary to overcome poverty. The remit of the social welfare tribunal, which was established in 1982, is to deal with cases where entitlement to unemployment benefit or assistance is refused due to an involvement in a trade dispute.
In addition to the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency and the social welfare tribunal, there were an additional three statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department on 1 January 2004, the pensions ombudsman, Comhairle and the Family Support Agency. The remit of the pensions ombudsman, established in September 2003, is to investigate and decide on complaints and disputes involving occupational pension schemes and personal retirement savings accounts. The remit of Comhairle, which was established on 12 June 2000, is to be the national agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy services to members of the public on a wide range of social and other services. The agency has a statutory commitment to assist and support people, particularly those with disabilities, in identifying and understanding their needs and options and in accessing their entitlements to social and other services. Comhairle provides financial and other supports to the network of 85 independent citizens information centres, CICs, and in addition, operates the citizen's information phone service.
The remit of the Family Support Agency, which was formally established on 6 May 2003, is to provide a family mediation service, support, promote and develop the provision of marriage and relationship counselling and other family supports, support, promote and develop the family and community, and undertake research, provide and disseminate information about parenting and family issues and provide advice to the Minister on matters relating to its functions.
