Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

This is a requirement of the Cabinet and it relates specifically to the Minister for Finance, the person who produces the budget. Under the national anti-poverty strategy, the Minister is required to produce a statement which amounts to a poverty proofing of his proposals. That statement must follow the guidelines set down by the social inclusion unit of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Was that statement produced? Did the Minister for Finance know that he was required to produce that? Did the Minister for Social and Family Affairs realise that such a document was required? It is clear from her response today that she does not seem to have been aware of that. Given that the Minister is not in a position to answer the question, can we take a short break or can the Minister arrange for the Minister for Finance to be asked that specific question, whether he has complied with the requirements of the Cabinet handbook under the national anti-poverty strategy to produce a document, a statement setting out the likely impact of his budget proposals on those at risk of poverty?

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