Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The Government's decision to integrate the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion within my Department was informed by the findings of a review of the Combat Poverty Agency which was undertaken on foot of a Government decision on 6 June 2007. The review will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas today.

I intend through the integration of the Combat Poverty Agency with the Office for Social Inclusion to ensure we make the best use of the considerable experience and expertise of the staff of both bodies. I believe the new division will provide the framework for an enhanced research role that will provide a stronger voice for those affected by poverty and social inclusion issues. Furthermore, it will have more immediate access to advising the Government and influencing policies on these important issues.

The Department is working with the board of the agency in finalising a plan for the smooth integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion. It is planned to hold meetings and workshops with the staff in both organisations before the plan is finalised.

Several steps are necessary to achieve the integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion. As the Combat Poverty Agency is established under statute, legislation changes will be required to alter its status. I intend bringing forward legislative provisions to effect those changes on Committee Stage of the Social Welfare Bill (Miscellaneous Provisions) 2008. Arrangements regarding the position of the agency staff will be finalised following discussions with the Department of Finance, the staff and their union representatives. Other work will involve winding up the business of the agency including finalising accounts and transferring assets.

I am conscious of the concerns about the need for independent scrutiny of public policy that have been expressed by some interest groups. I agree that independent critique is very important and I intend to ensure the scope for such work continues with the new arrangement. The Combat Poverty Agency has provided a valuable service in highlighting issues of poverty and social inclusion over the last 22 years. However, as the review report notes, the function of independent reporting on poverty is no longer as dependent on the Combat Poverty Agency as it was in earlier years.

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