Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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301. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of progress of a well-being budgeting framework; if the framework is set to be included in budget 2021; if not, the expected timeline for completion and operationalisation of this well-being budget framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/20]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In the Programme for Government, the Government has set out its commitment to develop a set of well-being indices to create a well-rounded, holistic view of how Irish society is faring; use these well-being indicators, as well as economic indicators, to highlight inequalities and ensure that policies are driven by a desire to do better by people; and ensure that the well-being framework will be utilised in a systematic way across government policymaking (at local and national levels) in setting budgetary priorities, evaluating programmes and reporting progress (as an important complement to existing economic measurement tools).

Officials in my Department are already preparing a programme of work that will support the Government in meeting this commitment with regard to well-being, and which will build upon the progress that has been made to date in Ireland's system of performance budgeting and equality budgeting.  Work on this important agenda will encompass a cross-Government dimensions and my Department will be working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Finance and other government departments as well as key stakeholders and experts in this regard. I look forward to making further announcements in this regard in the context of Budget 2021.