Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when the report on family and child income supports by the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare will be published; if she will provide an update on the work of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17306/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Creating jobs and tackling poverty are two of the key challenges that we face. It is essential that our tax and social protection systems play their part in addressing these issues and ensuring work is worthwhile. To this end, last year I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare with the aim of harnessing expert opinion and experience in order to address a number of specific issues. These include making cost-effective proposals for improving employment incentives and achieving better poverty outcomes, particularly child poverty outcomes. The Group has been asked to examine a number of specific issues and make recommendations on them, including child and family income supports, working age income supports, the appropriate unit of assessment in both the tax and social welfare codes, the interaction of the tax and social welfare codes and issues concerning social insurance for self-employed people. Following Budget 2012, the terms of reference of the Advisory Group were extended with the group being asked to examine and report on the policy objectives underpinning the Budget 2012 proposals regarding changes in the eligibility criteria and rates of payment for Disability Allowance and the increase in the age threshold for payment of Domiciliary Care Allowance.

The group's overall method of working is based on producing modular reports on the priority areas identified in the terms of reference. Where possible, the aim is to provide recommendations that can be acted upon in time for the annual budget, Estimates and legislative cycle and to allow the Government to best address its commitments under the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support. Decisions in respect of publishing reports of the Group will be made at the appropriate time. The Group has recently concluded its examination of child and family income support and the Group's report has been submitted to me. I am considering the report in some detail and following this will be reverting to the group seeking clarification on any relevant issues. It is my intention to publish the report in due course. I understand the Group will now progress to addressing the other issues provided for in its work programme.