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APPENDIX 5Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 12 November, 2002, 2 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Seymour Crawford, Tony Killeen, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose, Michael Ring, Seán Ryan, Dan Wallace. Senators: Maurice Cummins and Kate Walsh. ** Deputy Tony Killeen substituted for Deputy Michael Finneran and Senator Paschal Mooney substituted for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Public Session 2.Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: Deputy William Penrose was elected Chairperson and Deputy Donal Moynihan was elected Vice-Chairperson of the Committee. It was then agreed to go into private session for a discussion on the Work Programme and other business. Private Session 3.Items discussed in private session. The meeting was adjourned 2.52pm sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 26 November, 2002 Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 26 November, 2002, 2.35 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose, Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Ollie Wilkinson*. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Camillus Glynn** and Kate Walsh. *Deputy Ollie Wilkinson substituted for Deputy Dan Wallace. **Senator Camillus Glynn substituted for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Apologies were received from Deputies Dan Wallace and Seymour Crawford. Public session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 12 November were agreed and signed. 3.Presentation by the Department of Social and Family Affairs: A delegation of officials from the Department of Social and Family Affairs made a presentation to the Committee on the administration of the Unemployment Benefit, Unemployment Assistance and Disability Benefit Schemes. The delegation comprised Mr. Niall Barry, Director; Mr. Leonard Burke, Principal Officer; Ms. Maeve Farrell, Assistant Principal; Mr. Mike Sullivan, Principal Officer; Ms. Mary Hallissey, Assistant Principal and Mr. Tim Quirke, Principal Officer. There then followed a question and answer session. Private session 4.Items discussed in private session. The meeting adjourned at 4.10 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 14 January, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 14 January, 2003, 2.10 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Donal Moynihan, John McGuinness*, Charlie O’Connor, Noel O’Flynn*, Ned O’Keeffe*, William Penrose, Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Paul Coghlan**, Maurice Cummins, Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. * Deputies John McGuinness and Ned O’Keeffe substituted for Deputies Michael Finneran and Joe Callanan respectively and Deputy Noel O’Flynn substituted for Deputy Charlie O’Connor (for part of the meeting). ** Senator Paul Coghlan substituted for Senator Derek McDowell. Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Finneran. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 26 November 2002 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. Private Session 3.Items discussd in private session. Public Session 4.Presentation by the Combat Poverty Agency: A delegation from the Combat Poverty Agency made a presentation to the Committee on the aims and key priorities of the Agency and on their Analysis of Budget 2003. The delegation comprised Ms. Helen Johnston, Director; Mr. Jim Walsh, Head of Research and Policy; Mr. Padraig Carmody and Ms. Fidelma Joyce. Ms. Johnston spoke on the nature of poverty in Ireland and the aims of the Agency, and Mr Walsh gave an analysis of the Budget. There then followed a question and answer session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3.47 p.m. until Tuesday 28 January 2003. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 28 January, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 28 January, 2003, 2.07 p.m.Attendance: 1.The following members attended: Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Charlie O’Connor, Ned O’Keeffe*, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and Seán Ryan. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Geraldine Feeney**, Eamon Scanlon**, Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. * Deputy Ned O’Keeffe substituted for Deputy Dan Wallace. ** Senators Geraldine Feeney and Eamon Scanlon substituted for Senators Derek McDowell and Diarmuid Wilson respectively. Public Session 2.The minutes of the meeting of 14 January 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Scrutiny of EU Proposals Two officials from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, Mr. Tim Quirke, Principal Officer and Ms. Joan Gordon, Assistant Principal, presented a briefing to the Committee on EU document COM (2002) 405. There followed a question and answer session. It was agreed that the Committee, while having no comment to make on the proposal at present, reserved the right to re-scrutinise the issue in the future when progress has been made on the proposal. The Clerk to the Committee was instructed to report accordingly to the Clerks of both Houses, to lay the report before both Houses and to send copies of the report to the Sub-Committee on EU scrutiny of the Joint Committee on European Affairs and to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The meeting was suspended at 2.40 p.m. and recommenced at 2.41 p.m. 4.Presentation by Irish Actor’s Equity Group: A delegation from the Irish Actor’s Equity Group of SIPTU made a presentation to the Committee on the difficulties of their members regarding Social Welfare payments. The delegation comprised Ms. Kathleen Barrington, President; Ms Rynagh O’Grady, Mr. Padraig Murray and Mr. Robert Carrickford, all members of the Executive Committee, and Ms. Jane Boushell, Group Secretary. There then followed a question and answer session. It was agreed that the Committee would write to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and to the Minister for Finance, enclosing the presentation material and the transcript of the meeting. The meeting was suspended at 3.35 p.m. and recommenced at 3.36 p.m. Private Session 5.Items discussed in private session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3.45 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 11 February, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 11 February, 2003, 2.10 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Derek McDowell, Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 28 January 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Correspondence Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted:- •Report on the Equity 50th Anniversary Seminar •List of Decisions taken by the EU Scrutiny sub-committee at their meeting of 30 January 2003. The Committee agreed with the decision not to recommend any of the proposals for further scrutiny by this Committee. 4.Submissions on the position of full-time carers It was agreed that the Committee, as part of its review of the position of full-time carers, would advertise for submissions from any interested parties. The text of the advertisement was agreed and a deadline for receipt of submissions of 14 March 2003 was decided. It was agreed that, in addition to advertising in the national press, the advertisement would also be placed in the provincial papers and on local radio, and that posters of the advertisement would be displayed in local offices of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, FÁS and Citizens Information Centres. 5. Presentation by the Carer’s Association: A delegation from the Carer’s Association made a presentation to the Committee on the position of full-tine carers. The delegation comprised Mr. Enda Egan CEO and Mr. Frank Goodwin. There then followed a question and answer session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4.04 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 11 March, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 11 March, 2003, 2.08 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Kate Walsh. Apologies were received from Senators Maurice Cummins and Diarmuid Wilson. Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2.38 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 25 March, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 25 March, 2003, 2.08 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. Apologies were received from Senator Maurice Cummins. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 11 March 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Correspondence The following items of correspondence were noted:- •The list of Decisions taken by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at their meeting of 13 February. The Committee agreed with the decision of the Sub-Committee not to refer any documents to this Committee for further scrutiny. •The list of Decisions taken by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at their meeting of 12 March The Committee agreed with the decision of the Sub-Committee not to refer any documents to this Committee for further scrutiny. •A letter from the Minister for Social and Family Affairs in response to the letter issued by the Joint Committee regarding the presentation made to the Committee by Irish Actor’s Equity. It was agreed that the letter should be forwarded to Irish Actor’s Equity for their information. It was further agreed that the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Minister for Finance should be invited to attend a meeting of the Joint Committee to discuss the issue. •An e-mail letter from Ms. Cathy McGovern regarding the Back to Education Allowance. The letter was noted. The Chairman informed the Committee that he had received a letter on the same subject from the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). It was agreed to invite USI to attend a meeting to discuss the issue. •e-mail correspondence from Mr. Norbert Gasaj, a personal assistant to Mr Peter Bódy MP of the Slovakian Parliament. The correspondence was noted and it was agreed that the Committee had no role in this issue. 4.Presentation by the National Anti-Poverty Networks A delegation from the National Anti-Poverty Networks made a presentation to the Committee on the National Anti-Poverty Strategy. The delegation comprised Ms. June Tinsley, Policy Officer of the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, Mr. Seán Regan of the Community Workers Co-operative, Ms. Mary Keogh of the Forum for People with Disabilities and Mr. Ray Dooley of the Children’s Rights Alliance. There then followed a question and answer session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3.20 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 8 April, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 8 April, 2003, 2.07 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Kate Walsh. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 25 March 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Correspondence Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted:- •An e-mail, dated 1 April 2003, from Ms. Fidelma Joyce of the Combat Poverty Agency, requesting a meeting with the Committee for the winners of the ‘Combating Poverty Award’ in the ‘Young Social Innovator of the Year’ competition. It was agreed to invite the winners to present their winning project to the Committee on Tuesday 20th May 2003. •The list of Decisions taken by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at their meeting of 27 March 2003. The Committee agreed with the decision of the Sub-Committee not to refer any documents to this Committee for further scrutiny. •A letter from the Minister for Social and Family Affairs agreeing to attend a meeting of the Joint Committee to discuss the issue of Social Welfare payments for members of Irish Actor’s Equity. 4.Presentation by Comhairle. A delegation from Comhairle made a presentation to the Committee on their report entitled “Supporting Carers”. The delegation comprised Mr. Tony McQuinn, Senior Manager for Development and Support in Comhairle, Ms. Helen Lahert, Manager of Comhairle’s Social and Policy Service and Mr. Michael Browne, a Research Consultant for Comhairle. There then followed a question and answer session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3.24 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 6 May, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 6 May, 2003, 2.03 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Cecelia Keaveney*, Charlie O’Connor, and William Penrose (in the chair). Senators: Maurice Cummins, Geraldine Feeney* and Kate Walsh. * Substitutes: Deputy Keaveney attended in substitution for Deputy Donal Moynihan and Senator Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Apologies were received from Deputies Donal Moynihan, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace and from Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 8 April 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Correspondence Receipt of the following items of correspondence was noted:- •Copies of Statutory Instruments (2003) from the Department of Social and Family Affairs:- oSI No. 74 - Social Welfare (Transitional Arrangements) (Alignment of Income Tax Year with Calendar Year) Regulations, 2003 oSI No. 75 - Social Welfare (Consolidated Contributions and Insurability) (Amendment) (Credited Contributions) Regulations, 2003 oSI No. 78 — Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2002, (Sections 12 (3), (4), (5) and (6)) (Commencement) Order, 2003 oSI No. 119 - Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Section 5, in so far as that section inserts Sections 126 to 130, 146 and 147 of Part XI into the Pensions Act 1990) (Commencement) Order, 2003 oSI No. 120 - Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2002 (Sections 45 to 49) (Commencement) Order, 2003 oSI No. 121 — Social Welfare (Consolidated Payments Provisions) (Amendment) (Carers) Regulations, 2003 oSI No. 128 - Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2002, (Sections 29 and 37) (Commencement) Order, 2003 oSI No. 129 — Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2003 (Section 24) (Commencement) Order, 2003 •List of Decisions taken by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at their meeting of 16 April 2003. The Committee agreed with the decision of the Sub-Committee not to refer any documents to this Committee for further scrutiny. The Chairman indicated that he would put the topic of Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals on the agenda of the next meeting with regard to researching the proposals and the staffing implications. 4.Presentation by the Union of Students in Ireland A delegation from the Union of Students in Ireland made a presentation to the Committee on the Back to Education Allowance. The delegation comprised Mr Colm Jordan, President of USI, Mr Gareth Keogh, Education Officer and Ms Brighid Breathnach, Education Officer elect. There then followed a question and answer session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3.03 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 20 May, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 20 May, 2003, 1.38 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Donal Moynihan, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. Apologies were received from Deputy Seymour Crawford. Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. Public Session 3.Presentation by the Students of St. Louis High School Rathmines, winners of the Combat Poverty Prize at the Young Social Innovator Awards 2003. A delegation from St. Louis High School, Rathmines made a presentation to the Committee on their project, which was entitled “Reaching Out to Older People — The Links Effect”. The delegation comprised Ms. Ita Dagger, Ms. Shauna Mahony, Ms. Aishling McCabe and Ms. Sarah Walsh. The rest of the project team attended in the public gallery with the Principal and two teachers from the school, and Ms. Fidelma Joyce from the Combat Poverty Agency. The Chairman broke with normal protocol to acknowledge each of them by name. Following the presentation the Committee applauded the delegation. There then followed a question and answer session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2.33 p.m. until Tuesday, 17 June 2003. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 17 June, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 17 June, 2003, 2.06 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Seymour Crawford, Tony Killeen*, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and Seán Ryan. Senators: Maurice Cummins and Geraldine Feeney*. Apologies were received from Deputies Paudge Connolly and Dan Wallace and Senators Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. * Deputy Tony Killeen attended in substitution for Deputy Dan Wallace and Senator Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2.22 p.m. until Tuesday, 2 July 2003. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 2 July, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeWednesday, 2 July, 2003, 1.06 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: John Carty, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace Senator: Diarmuid Wilson Apologies were received from Senator Kate Walsh. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 17 June 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. Private Session 3.Items discussed in private session. Public Session 4.Discussion with the Minister regarding Irish Actor’s Equity The Minister addressed the Committee on the issue of Social Welfare Payments for members of Irish Actor’s Equity. There followed a question and answer session. The meeting was suspended from 1.33 p.m. to 1.49 p.m. to allow Members to attend a vote in the Dáil. Private Session 5.Items discussed in private session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2.19 p.m. until Wednesday, 9 July 2003 at 2.00 p.m. Donal Moynihan T.D. Vice-Chairman 9 July, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeWednesday, 9 July, 2003, 2.06 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Johnny Brady*, Joe Callanan, Michael Collins*, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Michael Mulcahy*, William Penrose (in the chair), Seán Ryan and Ollie Wilkinson*. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Geraldine Feeney* and Kate Walsh. Apologies were received from Deputies John Carty, Charlie O’Connor, Michael Ring and Dan Wallace and from Senator Diarmuid Wilson. * Substitutes: Deputies Johnny Brady, Michael Collins and Ollie Wilkinson attended in substitution for Deputies Charlie O’Connor, Dan Wallace and John Carty respectively. Deputy Michael Mulcahy substituted for Deputy Michael Finneran for part of the meeting. Senator Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 2 July 2003 were agreed and signed by the Vice-Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Correspondence •The following items of correspondence were noted:- •List of decisions made by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at their meeting of 26 June 2003. The Joint Committee agreed with the decision of the sub-Committee not to forward any documents to this Committee for further scrutiny. •Letter forwarded by Deputy Eamon Gilmore, from Mr. Frank Farrelly of the Irish Senior Citizen’s Parliament. •Report entitled “Study to Examine the Future Financing of Long-term Care in Ireland” received from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It was agreed that this report would be examined in detail at a later date. •Statutory Instrument (S.I. No. 269 of 2003) — Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2002 (Section 16) (Commencement) Order, 2003. 4.Expressions of Sympathy Deputy Crawford informed the Committee that Deputy Ring was absent due to the death of his father, Mr. James Ring, on Friday 4th July. All members present expressed their sympathy at his loss and it was agreed that a letter of condolence would be sent to Deputy Ring. 5.Presentation on the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion. There followed a presentation on the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion. This was a joint presentation by the Combat Poverty Agency and the European Anti-Poverty Networks. The delegation comprised, from the Combat Poverty Agency:- Ms. Helen Johnston, Director, Ms. Fidelma Joyce, Policy Liaison Officer, and Mr. Padraig Carmody, Policy Analyst, and from the European Anti-Poverty Networks:- Mr. Robin Hanan, Co-ordinator, Mr. Patrick Burke, Chairperson, Ms. Gráinne O’Toole, Co-ordinator of the Irish Traveller Movement and Ms. Frances Byrne, Co-ordinator of One Parent Exchange and Network (OPEN). There followed a question and answer session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4.22 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 24 July, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeThursday, 24 July, 2003, 2.10 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Donie Cassidy*, Seymour Crawford, Paudge Connolly, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, William Penrose (in the chair), Richael Ring and Dan Wallace. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Geraldine Feeney*, Camillus Glynn*, Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. Apologies were received from Deputy Seán Ryan. * Substitutes: Deputy Donie Cassidy attended in substitution for Deputy Charlie O’Connor. Senators Geraldine Feeney and Camillus Glynn attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson, for part of the meeting. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 9 July 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Correspondence •The following items of correspondence were noted:- •Annual Report and Accounts, 2002, received from the Pensions Board Noted. •List of decisions made by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at their meeting of 10 July 2003. Noted. The Joint Committee decided, in view of its significance, to scrutinise document COM (2003)199, at the first meeting in September, and that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform should be asked to brief the Committee. It was also decided, in order to make observations on document COM (2003) 270 as requested, that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment should be asked to brief the Committee on this issue. •Letter received from Mr. Alan G. Beirne. •Phone Call regarding the visit to Ireland of a delegation from the European Parliament Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. It was agreed that the Committee would meet with the delegation. The Committee expressed a preference for the date in November and decided that it would be better for the delegation to have a half day meeting with this Joint Committee rather than a full-day with both this Committee and the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business. 4.Report — “Study to Examine the Future Financing of Long-term Care in Ireland.” It was agreed that the Department of Social and Family Affairs would be asked to provide a briefing session at a meeting of the Committee in September. 5.Position of Full-time Carers. It was agreed that the Clerk would be instructed to produce a factual report on the information contained in the submissions received and circulate it to the Members in August. It was also agreed that the Committee would then meet to discuss the draft and to contribute comments of opinion and recommendation. It was further agreed that a number of the groups who had made submissions would be invited to make presentations to the Committee, following which the Clerk would produce a second draft, including the recommendations and conclusions of the Committee and also any relevant issues arising from the SARE (‘Space and Time for Equality’) conference in San Sebastian in October 2003. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2.49 p.m. sine die. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 9 September, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday 9 September, 2003, 2.07 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Charlie O’Connor,Willie Penrose (in the Chair), Michael Ring, and Seán Ryan. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. Public Session 2.Minutes The Minutes of the last meeting held on 24 July, 2003 were agreed. 3.Correspondence The Joint Committee noted a number of items of correspondence. 4.COM (2003) 270 — Green Paper on Services of General Interest Mr. Niall Egan and Ms. Lorraine Benson from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Mr. Tim Quirke from the Department of Social and Family Affairs made a presentation to the Committee. Following the presentation, there followed a question and answer session with Members. The Committee agreed to continue to monitor this policy as it develops further in the future. The Chairman thanked the officials for their presentation and the comprehensive manner in which they answered member’s questions. 5.COM (2003) 199 Re. Rights of Citizens of the EU to Reside in other Member States Mr. Paul Burns and Mr. Gerry Browne from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Ms. Joan Gordon and Mr. Ronan Gallagher from the Department of Social and Family Affairs addressed the Committee. A question and answer session followed after which the Chairman thanked the officials for meeting with the Committee. 6.Proposal for the introduction of a carbon energy tax The Committee agreed to consider the issue in early October. 7.Any other business The Chairman informed the Committee of the organisations with whom they would meet on 23 September, 2003. The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.53 p.m. until Tuesday 23 September, 2003. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 23 September, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeThursday, 23 September, 2003, 2.04 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, John Dennehy*, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and Seán Ryan. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Camillus Glynn*, Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. Apologies were received from Deputy Dan Wallace. * Substitutes: Deputy John Dennehy attended in substitution for Deputy Dan Wallace. Senator Camillus Glynn attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson, for part of the meeting. Public Session 2.Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of 9 September 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Correspondence The following items of correspondence were noted:- •List of decisions taken by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at their meeting of 9 September 2003. •It was agreed to scrutinise document COM (2003) 468 which was referred to the Committee for further scrutiny. Document COM (2003) 378 was referred to the Committee for information. •Statutory Instrument — (S.I. No. 389 of 2003) — Pensions Amendment Act, 2002 (Section 3 (In so far as it relates to the insertion of Sections 121 (except in so far as that Section is already in operation), 123, 124 (1) and 125 into the Pensions Act, 1990)) (Commencement) Order, 2003. •Statutory Instrument — (S.I. No. 397 of 2003) — Pensions Ombudsman Regulations, 2003. •Statutory Instrument — (S.I. No. 398 of 2003) — Pensions Amendment Act, 2002 (Section 5 (Except in so far as that Section is already in operation) and Sections 8 and 58) (Commencement) Order, 2003. •Statutory Instrument — (S.I. No. 399 of 2003) — Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2003 (Section 23) (Commencement) Order, 2003. •Letter from Mr. George McDonald. •Information Leaflet regarding the publication entitled “Irish Social Expenditure in a Comparative International Context”. •Invitation from the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to the “Launch of the Year Long Consultation on the Future Development of Family Policy”. •Letter from Mr. Joe McGloin A/SCWO from the Homeless Person’s Unit, requesting a meeting with the Committee. It was agreed that an invitation to address the Committee should issue to Mr. McGloin as soon as possible. 4.Presentation on the Position of Full-time Carers. As part of the ongoing review of the position of full-time carers, six groups who had made written submissions and who were broadly representative of all the groups making submissions were invited to make presentations to the Committee. 4.1 Presentation by Community Connections There was a presentation by Community Connections, represented by Mr Sandy Holland, Project Leader, Ms Teresa Harte, Mr Liam Kirwan and Ms Ann McGowan, which was followed by a question and answer session. The meeting was suspended at 2.37 pm and resumed at 2.38 pm 4.2 Presentation by Caring for Carers There was a presentation by Caring for Carers, represented by Ms Judith Ironside, President, Ms Eilish Smith, Chairperson, Ms Mary McMahon, Treasurer, and Ms Brigid Barron, National Co-ordinator, which was followed by a question and answer session. The meeting was suspended at 3.21 pm and resumed at 3.23 pm 4.3 Presentation by DergFinn Partnership/Finn Valley Carers Group There was a presentation by the DergFinn Partnership and Finn Valley Carers Group. The group was represented by Mr. Paul Anderson, Project Leader, Ms Frances McLaughlin and Ms Ann Kavanagh. There followed a question and answer session. The meeting was suspended at 3.52 pm and resumed at 4.09 pm 4.4 Presentation by Women in the Home (WITH) Ms. Caitriona Lynch, President, and Áine Uí Ghiollagáin, Vice President of Women in the Home then made a presentation which was followed by a question and answer session. 4.5 Presentation by The National Council on Ageing and Older People The next item on the agenda was a presentation by the National Council on Ageing and Older People, represented by Mr Bob Carroll, Director, Ms Eibhlin Byrne, Ms Sinead Quill and Mr John Grant. There followed a question and answer session. 4.6 Presentation by the Southern Health Board The final presentation of the day was by the Southern Health Board Services for Carers, represented by Ms Mary Rose Day, Development Manager, Ms Hilary Scanlan and Ms Noreen White. There followed a question and answer session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6.07 p.m. until Tuesday 7 October. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 7 October, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 7 October, 2003, 2.06 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and Seán Ryan. Senators: Maurice Cummins, and Kate Walsh. Public Session 2.Minutes The minutes of the meeting of 23 September 2003 were agreed and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising. 3.Correspondence The following items of correspondence were noted:- •Statutory Instrument (SI No. 429 0f 2003) Occupational Pensions Schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (Transfer) Regulations, 2003. •E-mail of thanks from the “Women in the Home” group. •Letter from the Irish Insurance Federation. 4.Presentation on the Report entitled “The Future Financing of Long Term Care in Ireland” The Report entitled “The Future Financing of Long Term Care in Ireland” was presented to the Committee by Mr. James Kehoe, of Mercer Consultants, accompanied by Ms. Aisling Kennedy. There followed a question and answer session. The meeting was suspended at 3.29 p.m. and resumed at 3.30 p.m. in private session. Private session 5.Items discussed in private session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3.50 p.m. until Tuesday 21 October. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 21 October, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 21 October, 2003, 2.06 p.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, William Penrose (in the Chair), Paul McGrath* and Seán Ryan. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Geraldine Feeney* and Kate Walsh. *Deputy McGrath attended in substitution for Deputy Michael Ring and Senator Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Apologies were received from Deputy Ring and Senator Wilson. Private Session 2.Items discussd in private session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3.55 p.m. until Wednesday 29 October. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 29 October, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeWednesday, 29 October, 2003, 11.14 a.m.Attendance 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Jim Glennon*, Paul McGrath*, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and Seán Ryan. Senators: Paddy Burke*, Maurice Cummins, Geraldine Feeney* and Kate Walsh. *Deputies Glennon and McGrath attended in substitution for Deputies Donal Moynihan and Seymour Crawford respectively; Senators Burke and Feeney attended in substitution for Senators Maurice Cummins and Diarmuid Wilson respectively. Apologies were received from Deputies Charlie O’Connor and Seymour Crawford. Public Session 2.Expressions of Sympathy The Committee expressed its sympathy on the death of Mr. Maurice Roche. 3.Minutes The minutes of the meeting of 21 October 2003 were agreed and signed. There were no matters arising. 4.Correspondence The Committee noted a press release from the Department of Social and Family Affairs regarding the elimination of poverty. The Committee noted an agenda for a meeting of the EU Council on Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs. 6.Consideration of draft Report on the Position of Full-time Carers The Committee considered parts 1 to 10, inclusive, of the second chapter of the draft Report. The Committee agreed amendments in principle to the draft Report and identified issues for further research. The Committee adjourned its consideration of the draft Report. 7.Any other business There was no other business. The Committee agreed that, at its next meeting on 4 November, in addition to meeting Mr. Joe McGloin of SIPTU, it would resume consideration of the draft Report on the Position of Full-time Carers and, at 4 p.m., meet the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to discuss the proposal to amend Regulation 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to certain categories of people moving within the European Community. The Committee adjourned at 1.04 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 4 November. William Penrose T.D., Chairman. 4 November, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 4 November, 2003, 2.07 p.m.Attendance The following members attended: 1.Deputies: Dan Boyle*, Joe Callanan, Seymour Crawford, Seán Crowe*, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Liam Twomey**. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. *Attended in accordance with Standing Order 90(3). **Deputy Twomey attended in substitution for Deputy Paudge Connolly. Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. Public Session 3.Presentation by the CWO/SCWO SIPTU Executive Group concerning the question of transferring the administration of the CWO service. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Tony Quilty of the SIPTU Executive Group on the role and future development of the Community Welfare Service. The Group was also represented by Mr. Tony Walsh, Mr. Greg Price, Mr. Pat Lennon and Mr. Joe McGloin. Discussion ensued. It was agreed that the Committee request that the Minister for Social and Family Affairs meet the Group immediately to discuss their concerns. Private Session 4.Items discussed in private session. Public Session 5.EU Scrutiny — Presentation by Minister for Social and Family Affairs on COM (2003) 468 The Committee heard a presentation by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms. Mary Coughlan TD, on EU proposal COM(2003)468 which proposed to amend regulations on the application of social security schemes to certain categories of people moving within the European Community. Discussion ensued. The Committee went into private session to consider its position on the proposal. The Committee agreed that a draft report be prepared for its consideration. 6.Any other business There was no other business. The Committee adjourned at 5.10 p.m. until Thursday, 13 November. William Penrose T.D., Chairman. 13 November, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeThursday, 13 November, 2003, 2.09 p.m.Attendance 1.Deputies: Johnny Brady*, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and Seán Ryan. Senators: John Minihan. *Deputy Brady attended in substitution for Deputy Joe Callanan; Senator Minihan attended in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh. Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Michael Finneran and Senator Kate Walsh. Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. The Committee adjourned at 3.30 p.m. until Tuesday, 18 November. William Penrose T.D., Chairman. 18 November, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 18 November, 2003, 2.10 p.m.Attendance 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Paul McGrath*, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Geraldine Feeney*, Camillus Glynn* and Kate Walsh. *Deputy McGrath attended in substitution for Deputy Michael Ring; Senators Feeney and Glynn attended consecutively in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. The Committee adjourned at 4.30 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 November. William Penrose T.D., Chairman. 25 November, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 25 November, 2003, 2.28 p.m. Attendance The following members attended: 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Geraldine Feeney* and Kate Walsh. *Senator Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. The Committee adjourned at 4.07 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 2 December. William Penrose T.D., Chairman. 2 December, 2003. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeTuesday, 2 December, 2003, 2.06 p.m.Attendance 1.Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Paudge Connolly, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Maurice Cummins, Kieran Phelan* and Kate Walsh. *Senator K Phelan attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson. Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. Public Session 3.Presentation by a delegation from the Irish Senior Citizens’ Parliament. A delegation from the Irish Senior Citizens’ Parliament - Mr Frank Farrelly, Chairman, Mr Matt Coleman and Mr Dick Fitzpatrick — made a presentation to the Joint Committee in connection with the Qualified Adult Allowance. There then followed a question and answer session after which the Chairman thanked the delegation for its attendance and presentation. It was decided that the Chairman should write to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs along the lines of the delegation’s presentation and of the Senior Citizens’ Parliament’s submission of 21 November 2003. 4.Any other business The Chairman reminded the Committee that it had agreed to invite three representatives of an alliance of 13 NGOs opposed to changes in the rent supplement scheme to make a presentation to the Committee on that matter at 10 a.m. on the following day, 3 December. The Committee adjourned at 2.30p.m. until 10a.m. on Wednesday, 3 December. William Penrose T.D., Chairman. 24 February, 2004. Joint Committee on Social and Family AffairsProceedings of the Joint CommitteeWednesday, 3 December, 2003, 10 a.m.Attendance: 1.Deputies: Dan Boyle*, Joe Callanan, John Carty, Seymour Crawford, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace. Senators: Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson. *Deputy Dan Boyle attended in substitution for Deputy Paudge Connolly Private Session 2.Items discussed in private session. Public Session 3.Presentation on behalf of NGO’s opposed to changes in with the Rent Supplement Scheme A delegation consisting of Mr Patrick Burke, a director of Threshold, Ms Noeleen Hartigan of the Simon Communities in Ireland and Ms Frances Byrne, a director of One Parent Exchange and Network representing the following NGO’s made a presentation to the Committee in connection with the Rent Supplement Scheme: - Threshold, Simon Communities of Ireland, Focus Ireland, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, the Irish Refugee Council, the National Youth Council of Ireland, the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, Age Action, the Children’s Rights Alliance, Women’s Aid, OPEN — One Parent Exchange and Network and Cherish — the National Association for Single Parent Families. There then followed a question and answer session. The Joint Committee thanked the delegation for its attendance and presentation. It was decided to convey the substance of the presentation and exchanges to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and to re-visit the issue approximately six months hence. 4.There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10.48 a.m. sine die. The Chairman advised members of the Dáil Select Committee that arrangements had been made to take the Committee Stage of the Social Welfare Bill 2003 on 11 December provided that it would been referred to the Select Committee in the interim. William Penrose T.D. Chairman 24 February, 2004. |
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