Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she remains committed to honouring the Programme for Government commitment not to reduce basic social welfare rates during the remainder of the lifetime of this Government [36175/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Government is committed to tackling Ireland's economic crisis in a way that is fair, balanced, and which recognises the need for social solidarity. The appropriate level of overall expenditure by my Department will be considered in the context of Budget 2013 and subsequent Budgets. This consideration will be informed by the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain social welfare rates.