Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the efforts his Department is making at local authority level to reduce poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The national action plan on inclusion provides for an integrated approach across all relevant policy areas for combating poverty and social exclusion, in line with the process established under the EU open method of co-ordination. This requires action not only at national level but also at regional and local level.

The office for social inclusion in my Department is responsible for co-ordinating and driving the plan, working closely with all relevant Departments and with the social partners through the social inclusion consultative group. Direct responsibility for social inclusion at local authority level rests with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who, I understand, recently provided detailed information on progress to the Deputy.

Over the past number of years my Department, through the office for social inclusion, has worked with that Department and the Combat Poverty Agency in supporting the development and implementation of a local government anti-poverty learning network. This network has contributed significantly to the promotion of a strong local anti-poverty focus within the reformed system of local government. It provides a forum in which local authorities can share experiences and best practice and consider how to make the maximum contribution to policies to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

Implementation of the national action plan on inclusion is regularly monitored and the outcomes achieved are evaluated. This process is part of the co-ordination undertaken by the office for social inclusion and involves Government Departments, the senior officials groups on social inclusion and the social partners. A report on the implementation of the 2003-2005 National Action Plan, for submission to the European Commission, is being finalised at present and will highlight, inter alia, the significant progress being made at local level to address poverty and social inclusion. This will include reference not only to services provided directly by local authorities but to all relevant State services administered at regional and local level.