Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, preparation of statistics in this area is a matter for the CSO. I would welcome the provision of statistics on a more timely basis.

The EU is currently publishing the statistics on income and living conditions, SILC, for Europe and Ireland compares very favourably, principally because we have a level of social transfers which we maintained during the depression. The poverty reduction effects of social protection payments in Ireland are among the highest in the European Union. The best route from poverty or being at risk of poverty is to find employment. Over a period I have emphasised family income supplement, expanded the programme and made it easier to apply for when parents with children are returning to work. That will provide significant support for parents returning to work.

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