Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the introduction of a savings incentive scheme aimed at welfare dependent and low income families to encourage saving and to reduce reliance on money-lenders. [12209/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is suggesting the development of a savings scheme for low-income households similar to the SSIA scheme which has now concluded. While this may have some socially progressive features, I am not convinced that it is the best way forward to address issues relating to welfare dependency and low income families. It is more effective to provide more jobs, combined with security, good wages, and developing better social welfare support. That is, and continues to be, the Government's policy focus.