Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent study produced by the EU Commission, the Report on Gender Equality Between Men and Women, which found that Irish women were at greater risk of poverty than any of their EU counterparts; the steps he intends to take to deal with the problem of women and poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11836/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is referring to the EU Commission's second annual report on equality between men and women, which was published last February. At the spring European Council in March 2003, EU Heads of State and Government asked the Commission to report annually on developments towards gender equality.

This second report covers a range of issues including gender gaps in employment, part-time employment and unemployment rates, educational attainment, lifelong learning, working hours and elected representation in national parliaments, in addition to risk of poverty rates. In general, Ireland is reported at average, or above average, against its EU counterparts in most of these areas. Our success in recent years in reducing unemployment levels for both men and women places us second overall on this measure and we also fare well in respect of reported levels of educational attainment for both men and women. However, I share the Deputy's concern about the reported level of women identified as being at risk of poverty in Ireland. The at risk of poverty measure is based on the percentage of persons below the income threshold of 60% of median income. The recent EU survey on income and living conditions, EU-SILC, reported that the rate for women was 23.4% in 2003 with lone parent households and older women living alone being the highest risk groups.

There are a number of factors which contribute to the relatively high "at risk of poverty" rate. There have been very significant increases in average incomes in recent years, and, in particular, a growth in two income households. International research has shown that, on average, the risk of poverty in two income households is less than 4%. However, despite significant increases in social welfare rates, the incomes of those not in employment have lagged behind those in employment, especially those in households with two incomes. Lone parents and older women living alone would be particularly dependent on social welfare income support.

The current national action plan against poverty and social exclusion specifically targets women as one of a number of groups who are particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion, with a view to reducing or eliminating their risk and incidence of poverty and improving their access to services such as health care, education and employment. This plan includes specific targets in relation to women which include: income supports for lone parents, pensioners and their spouses; significant improvements in child benefit rates; improved participation by women in employment; and actions to address obstacles to employment and the gender pay gap. Access to services and gender mainstreaming are also covered by targets and objectives in the national action plan.

In addition to the above, a number of specific initiatives are under way under Sustaining Progress which will impact positively on women and families. A study is being carried out by the NESC on amalgamating social welfare child dependant allowances with family income supplement payments in an effort to channel extra resources to low income families without creating disincentives to employment. A sub-group of the senior officials group on social inclusion has commenced examining all obstacles to employment for lone parent families, the majority of whom are women. My Department is also participating in an interdepartmental working group on early child care and education, chaired by the National Children's Office.

The work of this committee is at an advanced stage and the outcome will make an important contribution to finding the right mix of services and income support to facilitate employment take-up and care for children. A national women's strategy is being developed under the chairmanship of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and my Department is taking an active role on issues relating to poverty and social exclusion.

This Government is committed to continuing efforts to alleviate poverty, especially for those who cannot work and have not been in a position to benefit from the employment opportunities afforded by high economic growth. During the period 2001 to 2005, the lowest social welfare rates increased by 40% and child benefit rates increased by 65%, while the consumer price index has increased by just over 13%.