Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the Deputy's interest in the issue of equality budgeting. The policy issues raised in the amendments are different from the subject matter of the Bill. At its core, the Bill concerns technical rules for limiting a budget that is drawn up on a multi-annual basis. The introduction in preparations of ministerial ceilings of assessments that would be required in relation to equality would introduce a subjective element to a technical process. Providing in legislation for such subjective matters would create significant difficulties. While the proposed amendments are not appropriate for inclusion in this Bill, considerations of equality form an important component of all budgetary discussions. The Deputy correctly cited the programme of Government commitment in that regard.

Cabinet procedures require that in the context of proposals put to Government, it should be clearly indicated in writing whether those proposals will have an impact on - among other things - gender equality, on persons experiencing or at risk of poverty or social exclusion or on those with disabilities. Any and all of these considerations are taken into account when the Government makes decisions, particularly in respect of budgetary matters.

Each budget day, the Government publishes illustrative cases showing the effect of major changes on, for example, certain social welfare payments. In addition, I introduced the whole-of-year budgeting process in 2011 in order to facilitate a wider discussion on equality and resource allocation. Announced as part of the comprehensive expenditure review - we published an expenditure report for the period 2012 to 2014 - this reform enhances the role and policy relevance of the Oireachtas, particularly with regard to the role of committees in ex-anteconsideration of resource allocation in priority areas. I am of the view that it provides a forum by means of which the Oireachtas and its committees and Government Departments can assess and discuss the equality implications of any proposals in advance of final Estimates being agreed.