Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his legislative priorities for the 30th Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20722/07]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of legislation he plans to introduce in the next Dáil year; and the dates of same. [20694/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 186 together.

My immediate plans entail the progression of two legislative initiatives over the coming months. These are the Social Welfare Bill 2007, and the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2008.

Immediately following the Budget Statement by the Minister for Finance in early December, I will introduce the Social Welfare Bill 2007 to the House. This Bill will provide for the implementation of Budget increases in social welfare payments, any amendments to PRSI, consequent on Budget 2008, and any other changes to the Social Welfare Code which would, in the normal course, be scheduled to take effect from January, 2008.

The second Bill, the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2008 will provide for any residual amendments to the Social Welfare schemes consequent on the Budget 2008 which are not provided for in the Social Welfare Bill 2007, and any additional measures requiring a basis in legislation. This Bill will also provide for any amendments to the Pensions Act 1990, which are required in relation to occupational pensions and personal retirement savings accounts, as a result of the on-going consultation between the Department and the Pensions Board. This Bill is provisionally scheduled for publication early in 2008.

It is also my intention to submit a Memorandum to Government, seeking permission to draft legislation to enact the proposals contained in the Government discussion paper on "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents". The purpose of this Bill will be to provide for the introduction of a new means-tested payment for lone parent and other families on low incomes, which will replace the One-Parent Family Payment.