Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

As Senators are aware, Part 5 of the Bill is necessary to give effect to the Government decision to integrate the Combat Poverty Agency with the Office of Social Inclusion in the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The decision arose from a recommendation made by a review group that was established on foot of a Government decision in June 2007. Long before I was appointed as Minister for Social and Family Affairs, it was decided that it was necessary to review the role of the agency in light of changes that had happened in the preceding years. Other agencies and structures had been established to do the work associated with combating poverty that is central to the work of the Government and is of interest to all Senators and Deputies. Although the legal wording of section 31 of the Bill refers to the "dissolution" of the agency, it is not intended to absorb it without recognition into the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It is intended to enhance both sections, the Office of Social Inclusion and the Combat Poverty Agency, both of which do good work.

The Combat Poverty Agency was established at a trying time in Ireland, when it was decided that there was a need for a body to highlight issues, conduct independent research and contribute to Government policy. Those aims and aspirations are as relevant today as they were then. We have to look at what has happened in the meantime. The community and voluntary pillar has a valuable role in social partnership. There are offices of social inclusion in various Departments. A number of good non-governmental organisations contribute to policy-making and participate in the social inclusion and budget forums etc. The Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion has been mentioned. There is a high level group of Government officials in this area. Many people have contributed to the significant amount of research that has been undertaken in the Department of Social and Family Affairs. An independent voice has been given to those who experience poverty. One of the things the Combat Poverty Agency has been very good at is helping people to participate in domestic and EU forums in this country and in Brussels.

I envisage that all the work I have mentioned, such as the research and policy advice that directly gives a voice to those who experience poverty, will continue in an enhanced and focused way that ensures we get the best possible value from the skills of the staff of the Department and the agency. That was the intention of the review in the first instance. The challenge we face is to ensure that the new structure works. Although the board members and staff of the Combat Poverty Agency to whom I spoke expressed their disappointment with the Government's decision — they wanted the agency to be retained as an independent body — they are willing to co-operate to ensure that the work of the agency continues and is enhanced. I am satisfied that we can and will work with them to ensure that happens. I appreciate that other issues will be raised by Senators as this debate continues. The section of the Bill under discussion provides for the dissolution, in a legal sense, of the agency.