Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The commitment in the programme for Government is in regard to welfare rates but the commitment is also to reform and to a comprehensive expenditure review. We had a discussion earlier on Tús and other programmes and options that are available to get people back to education, training and work experience. Part of the reforms I hope to see in the Department is to ensure that younger people do not drift into being on long-term social welfare. It is not good for them, their families or their children. The reform of the social welfare system is to provide options, opportunities and encouragement for people to become active and engaged.

Social welfare involves paying pensions to older people who have retired. We want to ensure that money is spent in a way that is targeted and effective but that also provides options and opportunities that ensure people become active and activated.

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