David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

The ESRI is a Government-funded body, yet we are told that the report was subject neither to internal nor external peer review, the accepted norm for all such reports, and that although it was available on the ESRI website for three weeks, it did not adhere to the process of refereeing, to which this type of academic research was usually subjected. The question arises as to whether the report is part of a broader agenda which involves certain public representatives, sections of the media, academics and others seeking continuously to undermine the social welfare system and promote the impression that people on social welfare are somehow better off than those who are working. As I said, I was circumspect about much of what was set out in the report. There certainly are issues about the plight of the working poor, with many low income families, because of strict means-testing thresholds, not qualifying for certain benefits. However, there are questions to be asked about the ESRI following this report. I ask the Leader to get back to me personally or report back to the House when he receives a response from the agency on this matter.