asked the Minister for Social Welfare when it is expected that the review group on the Treatment of Households in the social welfare system will conclude its considerations; if it is intended to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

26.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress which has been made in the Review of Income Support for households; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

44.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he expects a report from the review group on payments to households to be presented; and if their findings will be reflected in the Social Welfare Bill, 1990.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 26 and 44 together.

The Review Group on the Treatment of Households in the Social Welfare System was set up in May of this year to examine the social welfare code in so far as it affects households, with particular regard to the equal treatment provisions.

The group has been asked to conclude its work by the end of this year. When the report is available it will be considered by the Government to determine what changes, if any, in the social welfare code are necessary.

While no decision has been taken as yet on the question of publishing the report of the review group, I would envisage that the main findings of the group will be made available.

The Minister says he expects the report of the review group by the end of this year and intends to introduce legislation next year. That is what he said originally in this House in regard to households, which question arose out of the Hyland case. We are concerned about the definition of "household" within the context of the review group remit or indeed in the Minister's mind. It is our understanding that "household" refers only to households in which there are adults in receipt of unemployment assistance, supplementary welfare or non-contributory. We are also concerned that the role of the adult spouse dependant in a household has deteriorated from a level of 72 per cent to 61 per cent between the years 1987 and 1989. The Minister will agree that there is an erosion of the role of the adult dependant in the home and perhaps he would like to clarify the definition of "household"?

The ratio at present is slightly above that recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare. I should like to make that point clear. The reason the level of allowance for the principal spouse, as distinct from the dependant, has gone somewhat ahead is because we have given exceptional increases of 25 per cent to bring the level to that point. Nevertheless, the ratio as far as the dependant is concerned is slightly above 61 per cent; it is just over the 60 per cent recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare. The whole question of households and how that question is to be handled in the future, as the Deputy has said, is a complex one. It was for that reason we set up the expert committee. Deputies will be given a full opportunity to discuss those matters before any steps are taken. I look forward to receiving the report of the expert group so that we may then consider what is the best way forward. I would like to assure the Deputy that there is no question of any steps being taken without there having been full discussion beforehand.

Will the Minister receive the report of the expert group in time for the Social Welfare Bill, 1990? Is that the Minister's intention?

That was my intention initially. There have been some indications that the problem is somewhat more complex than any of us had anticipated. It would be for those sorts of reasons only there would be any delay but I am still hopeful that we will receive it in time for the Social Welfare Bill, 1990.