Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2007 > Committee on Social and Family Affairs > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs, 2006 and Work Programme 2007

APPENDIX 5

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 10 January, 2006

The meeting commenced at 2.36 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Jerry Cowley, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and David Stanton.

Senators: Kate Walsh. Senator Eamon Scanlon attended in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh for part of the meeting and Senators Kieran Phelan and Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson for parts of the meeting.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Michael Finneran and Dan Wallace and from Senators Sheila Terry and Diarmuid Wilson.

Deputy Kathleen Lynch also attended.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by Inclusion Ireland (formerly NAMHI) in connection with intellectual disability issues.

A delegation from Inclusion Ireland (formerly NAMHI) - Ms Deirdre Carroll, CEO, Ms Finula Garrahy, Vice-Chairperson and Ms Jean Spain, a Board Member — made a presentation to the Committee.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.29 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

14 February, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 31 January, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.10 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Michael Finneran, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry. Senator Maurice Cummins attend for part of the meeting in substitution for Senator Terry, Senators Kieran Phelan and John Hanafin attended for parts of the meeting in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh and Senator Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Donal Moynihan and Dan Wallace and from Senators Walsh and Wilson.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

2. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 3.30 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

14 February, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 14 February, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.07 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan, David Stanton and Dan Wallace.

Senators: Sheila Terry, Kate Walsh. Senator Maurice Cummins attended for part of the meeting in substitution for Senator Terry; Senators Kieran Phelan and Geraldine Feeney attended for parts of the meeting in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2.Presentation by representatives from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Ms Anne Vaughan, Principal Officer, Mr Paul Cunningham and Mr Dan Kavanagh, Assistant Principal Officers, Scope Division, Department of Social and Family Affairs, made a presentation in relation to pensions issues in relation to RTÉ Pensioners.

Following the presentations, there followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.44 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

21 February, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 21 February, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.10 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: John Carty, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Seán Ryan and David Stanton.

Senators: Kate Walsh and Diarmuid Wilson.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Senator Sheila Terry.

Senator Paddy Burke (Leas-Chathaoirleach) attended in substitution for Senator Sheila Terry and Senators Kieran Phelan and Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senators Walsh and Wilson respectively for part of the meeting.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by the National Economic and Social Forum.

A delegation from National Economic and Social Forum - Dr Maureen Gaffney, Chairperson and Mr Seán Ó hÉigeartaigh, Director - made a presentation to the Committee in relation to the Forum’s recent report Care for Older People.

Due to time constraints, it was decided to postpone a question and answer session until a future occasion.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.13 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

4 April, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 4 April, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.05 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Donal Moynihan and from Senator Kate Walsh.

Senator Maurice Cummins substituted for Senator Sheila Terry for part of the meeting. Senators Terry Leyden and Kieran Phelan substituted for Senator Kate Walsh and Senators Pascal Mooney and Peter Callanan substituted for Senator Diarmuid Wilson, respectively, for parts of the meeting.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public session:

2. Presentation by the Combat Poverty Agency in connection with the Agency’s analysis of Budget 2006.

A delegation from Combat Poverty Agency — Ms Helen Johnston, Director, Mr Jim Walsh, Head of Research and Policy and Dr Jonathon Healy, Policy and Research Analyst - made a presentation to the Committee in connection with the Agency’s analysis of Budget 2006.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5.02 pm until Wednesday 12 April 2006 at 3 pm.

______________________________

John Carty T.D.

(for) Chairman

2 May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday, 12 April, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.07 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Jerry Cowley, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Diarmuid Wilson.

Deputies John Ellis and John Perry attended in substitution for Deputies Donal Moynihan and Seán Ryan respectively and Deputy Johnny Brady substituted for Deputy Charlie O’Connor for part of the meeting.

Deputy Dan Boyle also attended.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Ireland in connection with the Society’s analysis of Budget 2006.

A delegation from the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Ireland — Professor John Monaghan, Chair of Social Justice and Policy, SVP, Mr John Mark McCafferty, Head of Social Justice and Policy and Ms Audry Deane, Social Justice and Policy Officer - made a presentation to the Committee in connection with the Society’s analysis of Budget 2006.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5.16 pm until Wednesday 2 May 2006 at 3 pm.

______________________________

John Carty T.D.

(for) Chairman

2 May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 2 May, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3 pm. in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: John Carty, Charlie O’Connor, Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from the Chairman, Deputy Penrose, the Vice-Chairman, Deputy Donal Moynihan, from Deputies Finneran and Dan Wallace and from Senator Kate Walsh.

Deputies Jim Glennon, Martin Brady and Peter Kelly substituted for Deputies Callanan, Finneran and Wallace respectively.

Senator Maurice Cummins substituted for Senator Sheila Terry for part of the meeting. Senators Kieran Phelan and Camillus Glynn substituted for Senator Kate Walsh for parts of the meeting and Senator Geraldine Feeney substituted for Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to COM (2005)94.

A delegation from the Department of Social and Family Affairs — Mr Tim Quirke, Ms Anne Vaughan and Mr Paul Morrin - made a presentation to the Committee in connection with COM (2005) 94: the Green Paper: “Confronting Demographic change: a new solidarity between the generations”

There then followed a question and answer session.

3. Presentation by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to COM (2006) 7 and 16.

A delegation from the Department of Social and Family Affairs — Mr Tim Quirke and Ms Joan Gordon, accompanied by Mr Eddie O’Reilly, Department of Health and Children - made a presentation to the Committee in connection with COM (2006) 7 and 16 in relation to proposals for regulations on the coordination of social security systems.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

4. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.58 pm until Tuesday 16 May, 2006 at 3 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

16 May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 16 May, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.05 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Willie Penrose (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, John Carty, Jerry Cowley, Charlie O’Connor, Dan Wallace and David Stanton.

Senators: Kate Walsh.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Michael Finneran and from Senator Sheila Terry.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN).

Representatives of the European Anti-Poverty Network — Mr Joe Gallagher, Chairperson, EAPN, Ms Frances Byrne, OPEN Network, Ms Louise Richardson, Older Women’s Network, and Mr Robin Hanan, Coordinator, EAPN - made a presentation in relation to the Third National Action Plan Against Poverty (NAP Inclusion).

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

3. Presentation by the Disability Federation of Ireland.

Representatives of the Disability Federation of Ireland — Mr John Dolan, Chief Executive, and Ms Joanne McCarthy, Support Officer - made a presentation in relation to the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

4. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.32 pm until Tuesday 30 May, 2006 at 3 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

30 May, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 30 May, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.08 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Willie Penrose (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, Jerry Cowley, Charlie O’Connor, Donal Moynihan, Sean Ryan and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies John Carty and Dan Wallace.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Discussion with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mr Séamus Brennan, TD, made a presentation in relation to the government’s Discussion Paper on Lone Parents.

Discussion and a question and answer session followed.

The Joint Committee thanked the Minister and his officials for their attendance.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.49 pm sine die.

______________________________

William Penrose, T.D.

Chairman

27 June, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.06 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Seán Ryan, David Stanton and Dan Wallace.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Kate Walsh.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Michael Ring.

Deputy Cecelia Keaveney attended in substitution for Deputy Michael Finneran.

Deputy Dan Boyle also attended.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentations by officials from (a) the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Health Service Executive and (b) the IMPACT and SIPTU Trade Unions in relation to the changes in the position of Community Welfare Officers and Superintendent Community Welfare Officers.

Mr Brian O’Raghallaigh, Assistant Director General, Department of Social and Family Affairs, Ms Frances Spillane, Assistant Secretary General, Department of Health and Children, Ms Simonetta Ryan, Principal Officer, Department of Health and Children, Mr Leo Kinsella, Employer Relations Manager, Health Services Executive and Mr Philip Cox, Principal Officer, Department of Social and Family Affairs made a presentation in relation to the changes in the position of Community Welfare Officers and Superintendent Community Welfare Officers following which Mr Greg Price, Mr Ramon O’Reilly, Mr Christy Grogan and Mr Michael Cunningham, SIPTU, Mr Stephen O’Neill, Mr Des Stone and Mr Aidan Reddy, IMPACT, made a presentation in the same context on behalf of the SIPTU and IMPACT Trade Unions.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5.19 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

11 July, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 4 July, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Jerry Cowley, Donal Moynihan, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Kate Walsh.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Charlie O’Connor and Dan Wallace.

Private session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by OPEN — One Parent Exchange and Network.

A delegation from OPEN - Ms Frances Byrne, Chief Executive and Ms Camille Loftus, Head of Policy and Research - made a presentation to the Committee in connection with the Government Discussion Paper: Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.14 pm until Tuesday 11 July, 2006 at 3 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

11 July, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 11 July 2006

The meeting commenced at 3 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Kate Walsh.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Jerry Cowley, Charlie O’Connor and Dan Wallace and from Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

Deputy Tony Dempsey attended in substitution for Deputy O’Connor, Deputy Ned O’Keeffe attended in substitution for Deputy Wallace and Deputy Dan Boyle attended in substitution for Deputy Seán Ryan (for part of the meeting).

Senator Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senator Terry (for part of the meeting), Senators Geraldine Feeney, Pascal Mooney and Peter Callanan respectively attended in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh (for parts of the meeting) and Senators Kieran Phelan, Jim Walsh and John Hanafin respectively attended in substitution for Senator Wilson (for parts of the meeting).

Senator Mary White also attended.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by Councillor Philip Cantwell, Meath County Council, in relation to the operation of the Tara Mines Income Continuance Scheme.

Councillor Philip Cantwell, Meath County Council, made a presentation in relation to the operation of the Tara Mines Income Continuance Scheme.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the witness for his attendance and presentation.

It was decided that, in view of the cross-party consensus which had emerged from Members’ contributions, the Joint Committee should meet with other Joint Committees in order to formulate common proposals to rectify deficiencies in the operation of Income Continuance Schemes.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.25 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

18 July, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 18 July 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.08 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan, David Stanton and Dan Wallace.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Kate Walsh.

Deputies John Ellis, John McGuinness and John Dennehy attended in substitution for Deputies Joe Callanan, Donal Moynihan and Dan Wallace respectively for parts of the meeting).

Senator Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senator Derek McDowell, Senators Paddy Burke and John Paul Phelan attended in substitution for Senator Sheila Terry (for parts of the meeting), Senator Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh (for part of the meeting) and Senator Kieran Phelan attended in substitution for Senator Wilson (for part of the meeting).

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by officials from the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to (a) Allegations of overpayment of allowances in relation to the children of immigrants and (b) the delay in processing claims for Respite Care, Carers’ Allowances and Pensions.

Ms Bernadette Lacey, Deputy Secretary General and Director—General of Social Welfare Services, and Mr Brian O’Raghallaigh and Mr Gerry Daly, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Directors General of Social Welfare Services, Department of Social and Family Affairs made a presentation in relation to (a) Allegations of overpayment of allowances in relation to the children of immigrants and (b) the delay in processing claims for Respite Care, Carers’ Allowances and Pensions.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.42 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

25 July, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 25 July 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.01 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Jerry Cowley, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Kate Walsh.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies John Carty and David Stanton and from Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

Deputies Donie Cassidy, Ned O’Keeffe and Bernard Durkan attended in substitution for Deputies Callanan, Carty and Stanton respectively; Deputies Tony Dempsey and Paul Kehoe attended in substitution for Deputies O’Connor and Ring respectively (for parts of the meeting).

Senators Camillus Glynn and Peter Callanan attended in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh (for parts of the meeting) and Senators Kieran Phelan and Pascal Mooney attended in substitution for Senator Wilson (for parts of the meeting).

Senator Mary White also attended.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by the Pensions Ombudsman in relation to pension and related issues (including income continuance).

Mr Paul Kenny, Pensions Ombudsman, Mr Kevin Lonergan, Head of Investigation, Office of the Pensions Ombudsman and Ms Joan Bray and Ms Caitriona Collins, Investigators in the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman made a presentation in relation to pension and related issues (including income continuance).

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the witnesses for their attendance and presentation.

It was decided that an invitation would be issued to the Pension Ombudsman in late 2006 or early 2007 to make a further presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.40 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

21 September, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 21 September 2006

The meeting commenced at 11.36 am in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, David Stanton, Seán Ryan and Dan Wallace.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Kate Walsh.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Jerry Cowley and Michael Finneran and from Senator Sheila Terry.

Senators Paul Coghlan and Maurice Cunmins attended in substitution for Senators Derek McDowell and Sheila Terry respectively; Senators Kieran Phelan and Pascal Mooney attended in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh (for parts of the meeting) and Senators Geraldine Feeney and John Hanafin attended in substitution for Senator Diarmuid Wilson (for parts of the meeting).

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the National Waiver Scheme for Refuse Services for People on Low Income.

Mr Tom O’Mahony, Assistant Secretary and Ms Caroline Lyons, Assistant Principal Officer, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, made a presentation to the Joint Committee in relation to the National Waiver Scheme for Refuse Services for People on Low Income.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the witnesses for their attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 1.39 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

3 October, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 3 October 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.06 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), Michael Ring, David Stanton and Dan Wallace.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Diarmuid Wilson.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by representatives of the Post Polio Support Group in relation to Free Travel for Victims of Polio.

Mr Hugh Hamilton, Chairman, Ms Joan Bradley, Vice-Chair, and Mr Eamonn Farrell, Chief Executive, Post Polio Support Group, made a presentation to the Joint Committee in relation to free travel for victims of polio.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the witnesses for their attendance and presentation. The Joint Committee agreed that it would write to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to state that the Joint Committee had formally recommended that free travel be afforded to post polio victims and that, furthermore, such victims be considered for inclusion in the household benefit package in the forthcoming budget.

3. Presentation by Mr Frederick R. Spengeman in relation to an aspect of the Annual Report 2005 of the Pensions Ombudsman.

Mr Frederick R. Spengeman, made a presentation to the Joint Committee in relation to an aspect of the Annual Report 2005 of the Pensions Ombudsman. This aspect related to Section 48 (3) of the Pensions Act regarding the winding-up of a pensions scheme.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the witness for his attendance and presentation.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

4. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.12 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

17 October, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 17 October 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.05 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Jerry Cowley, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), David Stanton and Dan Wallace.

Senators: Diarmuid Wilson.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Senator Sheila Terry.

Senator Michael Brennan attended in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh.

Deputy Dan Boyle also attended.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by representatives of the Combat Poverty Agency.

Mr Jim Walsh, Head of Research and Policy, Dr Jonathan Healy, Research and Policy Analyst, Combat Poverty Agency, and Ms Bevin Cody, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, made a pre-Budget presentation to the Joint Committee on behalf of the Combat Poverty Agency.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the witnesses for their attendance and presentation.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.45 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

21 November, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 21 November 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.10 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Jerry Cowley, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry and Michael Brennan (in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh).

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Dan Wallace.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation by MS Ireland, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland.

Ms Anne Winslow, Chief Executive, and Ms Olga Estridge, Services Manager, MS Ireland, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland, made a pre-Budget presentation to the Joint Committee.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the witnesses for their attendance and presentation. It was agreed that a submission would be prepared on behalf of MS Ireland (based on the presentation made with particular reference to the cost of disability payment) asking the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to prioritise the matter in the forthcoming Budget.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.16 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

5 December, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 5 December 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.10 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Joe Callanan, John Carty, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, William Penrose (in the chair), and David Stanton.

Senators: Sheila Terry.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Dan Wallace.

Senator Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senator Kate Walsh.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Discussion on Pension Issues.

A discussion was held with the following witnesses.

Pensions Board: Mr Brendan Kennedy, Chief Executive, Mr Jerry Moriarty, Head of Investigations and Compliance, and Ms Yvonne White, Head of Technical Services and Research

Office of the Revenue Commissioners: Mr Clive Slattery

Department of Social and Family Affairs: Ms Anne Vaughan

Department of Finance: Ms Clodagh Ryan and Mr Eamonn Robbins

The Chairman welcomed the officials and wished Mr Kennedy well in his new position as Chief Executive and also wished his predecessor, Ms Anne Maher, well in her future work.

There then followed a question and answer session during which witnesses responded to questions from members. The Chairman noted that a very wide variety of detailed questions had been asked and agreed that a copy of the transcript of the meeting would be forwarded to those attending in order that full responses could be given where that was not possible in the time allowed.

Finally the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending and for the useful exchange.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.52 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

19 December, 2006.

Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 19 December, 2006

The meeting commenced at 3.09 pm in private session.

1. Attendance:

The following members attended:

Deputies: Willie Penrose (in the Chair), Joe Callanan, John Carty, Michael Finneran, Donal Moynihan, Charlie O’Connor, Michael Ring and David Stanton.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Jerry Cowley and Dan Wallace and from Senators Sheila Terry and Kate Walsh.

Senators Kieran Phelan and Geraldine Feeney substituted for Senators Walsh and Wilson respectively. Senators Paddy Burke and John-Paul Phelan substituted for Senator Terry for parts of the meeting.

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

Public Session:

2. Presentation in relation to Maritime Labour Legislation.

Mr Tim Quirke, Mr Philip Melville and Ms Siobhán Lawlor, Department of Social and Family Affairs, Mr Frank Doheny and Mr Michael Pender, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Captain Tom O’Callaghan, Marine Survey Office, Department of Transport made a presentation in relation to COM (2006) 288 re Maritime Labour Legislation.

There then followed a question and answer session.

The Joint Committee thanked the representatives for their attendance and presentation. The representatives were requested to keep the Joint Committee informed of developments in the area, with particular regard to the opinion of the European Parliament and to progress with regard to consultation with social partners and any legislation falling within the remit of the Joint Committee

Private Session:

Items discussed in private session.

3. Adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 4.04 pm.

______________________________

William Penrose T.D.

Chairman

16 January, 2007.