Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 52: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the findings of the Combat Poverty Agency research project into mainstreaming social inclusion issues into public policy making as outlined in the publication (details supplied) that just 19% of respondents felt that there was a high degree of involvement of people experiencing poverty in developing anti-poverty policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15310/07]

Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 71: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the findings of the Combat Poverty Agency research project into mainstreaming social inclusion issues into public policy making as outlined in the publication (details supplied) that just 48% of Irish respondents believed reduction in poverty and social exclusion were high on the Government's agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15309/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 71 together.

I welcome the findings of the 'Evaluation of Mainstreaming Social Inclusion in Europe' study which was led by the Combat Poverty Agency and involved surveys undertaken in nine European countries among policy makers and administrators at central, regional and local levels of Government, social partners and representatives of anti-poverty NGOs. The study found that Ireland is one of the better performing countries and is above the EU average when it comes to integrating poverty and social inclusion objectives into Government policy. It also noted the importance of structures to support social inclusion and found that Ireland is at the forefront by having a Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion chaired by the Taoiseach and dedicated social inclusion units in a number of Government departments, agencies and local authorities.

Building an inclusive society remains a key priority of Government. Ireland's strategic approach to tackling poverty was first introduced in 1997 with the publication of the ten-year National Anti-Poverty Strategy. Much has been achieved since then, including a substantial reduction in unemployment, major increases in the number of two income households and the ending of high emigration together with a major increase in return migration and immigration. These improvements have been assisted by increased resources for social welfare payments, public services and infrastructure such as health, housing, education and disadvantaged communities.

However, not everyone in our society has benefited to the same extent from our recent success and tackling poverty and social exclusion remains a major challenge and a priority for Government. The strategic framework for the next ten years to meet that challenge is set out in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 (NAPinclusion), launched in February 2007, the social inclusion elements of Towards 2016 and the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The provision in these three strategies clearly show the priority being given to tackling poverty. Using the lifecycle approach, these strategies place the individual at the centre of policy development and delivery with a particular emphasis on the provision of services and activation as means of tackling social exclusion.

The overall poverty reduction goal in the NAPinclusion is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2% and 4% by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. In addition, the NAPinclusion identifies 12 high level strategic goals supported by over 150 targets and actions aimed at addressing long-standing and serious social deficits to achieve the overall objective of reducing consistent poverty.

The study noted that all countries could do more to involve people experiencing poverty in devising and supporting solutions. The Office for Social Inclusion (OSI) located in my Department is acknowledged in the study as undertaking 'a very valuable co-ordinating and developmental role'. Production of the NAPinclusion, and the social inclusion elements of Towards 2016 and the NDP, was informed by an extensive consultation process involving people experiencing poverty and their representatives. The OSI received 81 written submissions as part of this process and conducted a series of regional and national seminars at which in excess of 500 people attended. The annual Social Inclusion Forum is another important vehicle for providing people experiencing poverty and social exclusion and their representatives with an opportunity to contribute their views and experiences. A priority for consultation in the coming years will be to reach more people experiencing poverty directly in order to obtain their views on what is required to improve and make more effective the supports they receive.

The OSI has also produced new guidelines for Poverty Impact Assessment to enhance the current poverty proofing of policies. These will be an effective tool in ensuring the mainstreaming of poverty and social exclusion in all policy making, by requiring a rigorous assessment of the impact of policies on those who are most vulnerable. Communicating the social inclusion message effectively to all stakeholders and the public generally is a continuing challenge. In addition to further developing meaningful consultation, OSI will, during the period of the NAPinclusion, develop and deliver a strong communications strategy to ensure that the public is kept informed of progress and that there is widespread knowledge and awareness of social inclusion initiatives and investment.