Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding his role in negotiations for a new national partnership agreement; if he anticipates a successful outcome to these negotiations; the particular issues pertaining to his Department that remain outstanding in the partnership negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22995/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Social partnership has played an important if not pivotal role in Ireland's dramatic economic and social development since 1987. Through the partnership process, we have helped to ensure that the policies of Government and the efforts of the social partners create the right environment for sustainable economic and social development.

The prosperity secured in partnership has a purpose — it is to improve the quality of life of our people, including those dependent on social welfare. This is best achieved when there is a reasonable consensus about the choices we face as a country.

I welcome the draft Social Partnership agreement 'Towards 2016', which has put in place the policies and the delivery systems, which will allow us to realise our full potential. Negotiations are still ongoing with the Farming Pillar and are expected to be completed shortly.

The new social partnership agreement will provide a positive framework for addressing the issues of poverty and social exclusion in a comprehensive, focussed and integrated manner. The implementation of the agreement, allied to the achievement of the targets set out in the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion will ensure that we will make real and tangible progress towards the achievement of a fair and inclusive society.