20 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social Welfare the terms of reference of the proposed Commission on the Family; the thinking behind its establishment; when he expects to receive a preliminary report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13946/95]

22 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the Commission on the Family will be established; the personnel invited to take part; and the terms of reference of the commission. [13953/95]

30 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he has established the Commission on the Family; if he has set the terms of reference for the commission; the way in which the work of this body will relate to that already carried on by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13936/95]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 22 and 30 together. Following proposals I recently put forward to the Government, it was agreed that a Commission on the Family would be established, with the following terms of reference: to analyse recent economic and social changes affecting the position of families, taking account of relevant research already carried out, including reports of commissions, such as those on social welfare, taxation and the status of women, and relevant working groups, for example the Expert Working Group on Integration of Taxation and Social Welfare and the current anti-poverty strategy policy committee, and carry out limited research as necessary; to examine the effects of legislation and policies on families and make recommendations to the Government on proposals which would strengthen the capacity of families to carry out their functions in a changing economic and social environment. The commission would also be expected to make proposals to the proposed all party committee on the Constitution on any changes which it believes might be necessary in the constitutional provisions in relation to the family. Proposals involving expenditure should be identified and as far as practicable costed; to raise public awareness and improve understanding of issues affecting families.

The Government decision also provided for liaison with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Family. The thinking behind the setting up of the commission was, in part, influenced by the recommendation of the committee on the International Year of the Family, 1994, which recommended, inter alia, that a State-funded commission on the family should be established, which would advise the Government on family issues, including the impact of legislation, commission research, act as a national forum for family organisations and promote greater awareness of family-related issues.

It is proposed that the commission will produce a preliminary report by October 1996 and a final report by, at latest, June 1997. The chairperson and members of the commission will be announced soon.