Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his priorities for budget 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20723/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Improvements in social welfare schemes and services are introduced by way of the Budget. In this regard, I will be developing Budget proposals in relation to the various issues within my own area of responsibility, having regard to a wide range of factors. My priorities will be to make progress in achieving the commitments contained in the Agreed Programme for Government, the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016" and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016.

The Agreed Programme for Government contains a range of important commitments for pensioners, carers, children and others relying on welfare payments including commitments to:

Increase the basic State pension by around 50% to at least €300 per week by 2012.

Complete the scheme introduced in Budget 2007 to provide a personal pension payment for pensioner spouses in receipt of the Qualified Adult Allowance which will be set at the level of a full rate Non-Contributory State Pension.

Continue to maintain the value of the lowest rate of social welfare payments as agreed in Towards 2016 and the National Action Plan on Social Inclusion.

Further increase eligibility for the Carers' Allowance.

Double the non-means-tested Respite Care Grant to €3,000 per person cared for.

Increase the rate of the Child Benefit

Implement significant improvements to the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and the School Meals Programme.

These are significant and wide ranging commitments. I look forward to implementing them over forthcoming Budgets having regard to available resources and the wider Government agenda.