Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to gender proof each of the various options being considered for Budget 2013; the plans, the Government has to publish a distributional analysis of each of the various options being considered with specific reference to gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42273/12]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to equality proof each of the various options being considered for Budget 2013; the plans the Government has to prepare and publish a distributional analysis of each of the various options being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42272/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 59 together.

With regard to budgetary matters, when focusing on the primary objectives of reducing the deficit and returning sustainability to the public finances, it has been of vital importance to the Government to spread the burden of the adjustments made in as fair and equitable a manner as possible, while also seeking to minimise their negative impact on economic growth.

There are currently no plans to specifically equality and gender proof Budget 2013. That said however, the Deputies should be aware that the Programme for Government does contain a clear commitment requiring all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions. I would also remind the Deputy that the State and its bodies must, of course, comply with all provisions of equality legislation in the development and delivery of its policies and services.

Furthermore, when proposals are put to Government there is a requirement to indicate clearly, whether there is any impact of the proposal on, amongst other things, gender equality, persons experiencing or at risk of poverty or social exclusion and people with disabilities.

The Deputies should also be aware that a distributional analysis of proposed budget measures is performed each year based on income levels.