Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 307: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the arrangements that are in place in his Department for the analysis of the impact of policy on poverty; and the way in which the proposed changes in the functions of Departments will alter these arrangements. [17044/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Social and Family Affairs routinely carries out poverty impact assessments in line with the guidelines on new policy developments, VFM and programme expenditure reviews and on the annual Budget. The outcomes of the poverty income assessments are generally published except in circumstances where a particular policy initiative is part of the deliberative process of government or subject to cabinet confidentiality rules.

The Social Inclusion Division in the Department of Social and Family Affairs has an important role in promoting the implementation of poverty impact assessment, as a key tool in promoting good practice and innovation in policy implementation. In carrying out this responsibility the Division provides assistance to government departments on the application of the poverty impact assessment guidelines and works with a number of local authorities on the application of the guidelines in a local Government context.

The Division is due to transfer to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (to be renamed the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs), as announced by the Taoiseach in Dáil Eireann on 23rd March, 2010. Responsibility for promoting the implementation of poverty impact assessment, as well as the other key functions of the Division that relate to the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 and include research and analysis, data availability and communications, will continue to be carried out by the Division under the remit of the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.