Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Social Protection his views on the recent research by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice which showed that the income supports available to lone pensioners, families with teenagers and single men all living in rural areas are inadequate to meet their minimum essential budget. [40069/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the research report of the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, titled "Minimum Essential Budgets for Six Household Types in Rural Areas" which was published in October 2010. The report has been furnished to my Department and is being studied by my officials. Social welfare expenditure for 2011 will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs. In an uncertain economic environment, my priority will be to ensure that the Government strategy to stabilise the financial position is advanced and to protect those most in need in a manner which is sustainable in the years ahead.