Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will protect social welfare rates in budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29115/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The appropriate level of overall expenditure by my Department in the years ahead will be considered in the context of Budget 2012 and subsequent Budgets. Sustainable public finances are a prerequisite for maintaining an adequate system of social protection as well as achieving future economic stability and growth. To this end, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure in 2012 and in later years.

There are considerable challenges ahead including the need to protect, as far as possible, the key income supports and services operated by my Department. This process will be informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which has been completed by my Department, with the key decisions being made in the context of framing the Budget for 2012.