Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The functions of the Combat Poverty Agency, as they exist, already lie with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs of the day. I have no doubt that the new division will carry out research, give policy advice and provide data analysis. It will ensure that the voice it gives to those experiencing poverty can be heard. The agency has worked well with people so that they can participate at national and European levels and have their voices heard directly rather than via another group. I envisage this situation continuing. I also envisage that the division will initiate research on issues it believes to be important, which is part of its remit.

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