Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied and in a position to make adequate budgetary provisions to meet the ongoing effects of the economic downturn with particular reference to the need to assist back to work and back to education schemes over the next 12 months thereby making positive provision for the future notwithstanding the exigences within which she has to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29129/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The 2012 provision for all schemes and services operated by my Department, including the back to work and back to education schemes, will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget. The Budget will be framed in a manner that has regard to the necessity to ensure public finances are sustainable. This is a prerequisite to maintaining an adequate system of social protection as well as achieving future economic stability and growth.

Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure and prioritise resources in my Department and in all other Departments, in 2012 and in later years. However, I am very conscious of the needs of people who currently rely on Social Welfare, including those avail, or may in the future avail, of the back to work and back to education schemes. In the context of a very tough budgetary environment, I will do my utmost to protect the most vulnerable people in Irish society.