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Legislative Programme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004

Wednesday, 6 October 2004

Ceisteanna (52)

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

154 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his legislative priorities for the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23317/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The legislative priorities for my Department in the coming 12 months encompass four major initiatives. These are the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, the Social Welfare Bill 2004, the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2005 and a Social Welfare (Consolidation) Bill 2005.

The Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published on 21 September last. This Bill is a key element of the Government's legislative programme for improving services for people with disabilities. The primary purpose of the Bill is to facilitate the introduction of a new personal advocacy service for people with disabilities which will be administered by the national information agency, Comhairle. The Bill will be progressed in conjunction with the Disability Bill 2004.

Immediately following the Budget Statement by the Minister for Finance in early December, I will introduce the Social Welfare Bill 2004 to the House. This Bill will provide for the implementation of budget increases in social welfare payments and any other changes which would normally be scheduled to take effect from January 2005.

The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2005 will provide for any amendments to the social welfare schemes consequent on the budget 2005 which are not provided for in the Social Welfare Bill 2004 and any additional measures requiring a basis in legislation. This Bill is provisionally scheduled for publication early in 2005.

In addition, to improve accessibility to the existing body of Social Welfare legislation, it is intended to bring forward a Social Welfare (Consolidation) Bill. This Bill will bring together, in a single document, the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 1993 and the amending legislation enacted in the intervening years, thereby facilitating ready access to the social welfare code.

Question No. 155 answered with QuestionNo. 128.
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