Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

156. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on undertaking a regular benchmarking exercise in respect of all working-age income supports, as recommended in the Report of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46297/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In its recently published report, the Commission on Taxation and Welfare makes a number of serious and wide-ranging recommendations regarding the future of the tax and welfare systems in Ireland. The report runs to more than 500 pages and contains 116 recommendations.

The report poses serious questions that we as a society must carefully consider. The recommendations will foster real debate around how we reform our tax and welfare systems over the longer term in order to safeguard their sustainability and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

The Commission’s recommendations are significant and wide ranging, and it is important to allow time for detailed consideration. It is my intention to provide an initial response to some of the recommendations as part of the upcoming budget.

With regards to any measures affecting the social welfare system, this will be a matter for consultation with the Minister for Social Protection and her Department, who have responsibility for social welfare policy.

It would not be appropriate for me to speculate on what specific elements of the report we might act on and when in advance of such consultation.