Dessie Ellis
Ceist:307 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has any plans to act on IMF suggestions to cut free travel and free electricity/gas units for older persons. [16391/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 March 2012
Ceisteanna (318)
Freagraí scríofa
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently completed the fifth review of the Programme of Financial Support for Ireland. In this review, the IMF outlined that the Government has continued the strong implementation of the programme despite deteriorating external conditions, meeting 2011 fiscal targets with a margin and advancing structural reforms to support growth and job creation. The IMF staff report for this review mentions areas of Irish social welfare expenditure which they believe merit examination in the context of the current reform of the system and fiscal consolidation which is already well under way.
My Department completed a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure last September and all social protection expenditure, including free travel and free electricity/gas, continues to be reviewed as part of the Government's ongoing examination of all Government Expenditure.