Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2012
168 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide tables updating those contained on pages 96 to 108 of the report on the desirability and feasibility of introducing a single social assistance payment for persons of working age’ published in November 2010 taking account of the subsequent budget cuts. [8755/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2010, my Department published a "Report on the Desirability and Feasibility of introducing a Single Payment for People of Working Age". The report concluded that it was both desirable and feasible to move to a single payment over time. There is a commitment contained in the agreed EU/ECB/IMF Programme of Financial Support, that Ireland will present a comprehensive programme of reforms for the social welfare system to the troika by the end of quarter 1 2012. This programme of reforms is expected to contain an implementation plan for the introduction of the single payment.
An internal working group within the Department of Social Protection has been established and has commenced work on designing the single payment. As part of its work a number of models are being developed to illustrate the various policy options regarding the single payment. These models will contain tables similar to those in the 2010 feasibility study. As all the relevant data is still being compiled these tables are not yet available.
In addition to the internal working group, an interdepartmental group has been set up in relation to the provision of the necessary supports and services to assist recipients of a single payment to progress into employment.
Following the work of these groups a report will be prepared for the Minister. No decisions have been made on the structure of the single payment; those will be matters for Government in due course.
