Minister Doherty hosts the DSP's annual Pre-Budget Forum to discuss priorities for Budget 2018

The Minister for Employment and Social Protection, Regina Doherty T.D., is today (Friday, 21st July 2017) hosting her Department’s annual Pre-Budget Forum in Dublin Castle. Also attending is Minister of State for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath T.D.

Over 45 community groups will be attending and participating in the Forum, which is to be moderated by Ms Brigid McManus (former Secretary General at the Department of Education and Skills).

The Forum is an important annual event for the Department and is an excellent opportunity for community, voluntary and business organisations to discuss and debate policy issues and present their thoughts and views on the upcoming Budget with each other, Minister Doherty, Minister of State McGrath and senior Departmental officials who work to develop and administer policy for the Department’s schemes. The Department’s Pre-Budget Forum is a unique event across the Civil Service and provides valuable feedback which will be used to inform next year’s Budget.

Minister Regina Doherty said:

“The Pre Budget Forum today offers a unique opportunity for the broad range of organisations attending to present their views on what should be included and prioritised in the forthcoming Budget.

“Today is about listening with a view to informing how I and my Department can best meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable in society in the form of budget provision and public policy. Thanks to the strong representation at today’s forum, my work and the work of the Department will be better informed in how to deliver the best impact both in terms of reducing poverty, and improving employment outcomes so that people who are currently dependent on welfare, but who have an ability to work, can become financially independent.

“I spent some time reading the individual pre budget submissions and I look forward to meeting and speaking to their representatives in person today.”

Minister of State Finian McGrath T.D. said:

“I am very pleased to be attending the Department's Pre-Budget Forum and looking forward to hearing feedback from workshops on how best to advance developments in the social, cultural and working lives of people with disabilities.”

In order to stimulate debate on key issues, 6 themes have been selected for the breakout sessions as part of the Forum. These include ‘Housing Supports’, ‘Children and Families’, ‘Illness, Disability and Caring’, ‘Retired and Older People’, ‘Employment Services, Activation and Social Protection for Workers’ and ‘Income Adequacy and Social Inclusion’.

There will be a workshop for each of these themes, chaired by senior Department officials and attended by representatives from organisations with an interest in these areas. Minister Doherty and Minister of State McGrath will attend these workshops over the course of the morning and will hear first-hand from the organisations some of their main priorities, concerns and thoughts for Budget 2018.

ENDS

Further information for Editors

List of Organisations due to attend the Pre-Budget Forum