Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied with the progress made to date regarding the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion; the number of social inclusion projects or strategies reached since this Government took office in 2007; the number of projects or strategies put on hold; the number that have had their conclusion deadlines extended due to the economic crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46335/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Combating poverty and building an inclusive society are key priorities for the Government. The overall goal of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion, published in 2007, is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty in the population to between 2% and 4% by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. The plan prioritises 12 high level goals in relation to children, people of working age, older people, people with disabilities and communities. It identifies some 150 actions across Departments and agencies with a remit in social policy, as part of a strategic approach to make a decisive impact on poverty over the period to 2016.

CSO data from the annual Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) shows that in 2008 the consistent poverty rate was 4.2%, having fallen from 5.1% in 2007 and 8.2% in 2003.

The report on the implementation of the National Action Plan to the end of 2008 shows a similar pattern of progress in the actions of Departments to achieve the goals in the plan. This involved significant State investment in education, employment and training for lone parents and for people with disabilities; in health and community care for older people; in local and community development; and in integration initiatives for migrants.

The CSO figures for 2009, published on 25 November last, highlight the continuing importance of social transfers as a stabiliser for people in difficult economic circumstances. In 2009, social transfers reduced the 'at risk of poverty' rate from 46% to 14.1%. This is a 'poverty reduction effect' of 70%.

The rise in consistent poverty to 5.5% indicated in the 2009 figures is a cause for concern and reflects the increase in unemployment. In meeting the challenges that face us in the immediate years ahead, the Government is committed to prioritising those who are the most vulnerable and to protect as far as possible the frontline services in marginalised communities. The overriding objective now is to restore economic growth and maximise employment so that the recent progress made in tackling poverty can be continued and the goals in the National Action Plan for an inclusive and fair society can be achieved.