Background
to the
Research
- The report is designed to
provoke debate on TSN and New TSN in NI after ten years in operation.
- The focus of the report
is on the process and planning as well as the tangible outcomes and
impacts of New TSN.
- Inability to state the
actual effect on the socially disadvantaged and excluded has brought
the universal effectiveness of New TSN into question.
Research
Approach
- Research focuses on the publication of
redundant plans, examples of delays between the first and final drafts,
and aspects of 'Making it Work', other than time, within each of the
eleven government departments.
- The impact of TSN since its introduction
in February 1991 is also gauged using statistical analysis. Bar charts
and tables are accompanied by written explanations of the key points.
- A breakdown of NI specific statistics
is taken from secondary sources. They include a breakdown of economic
growth since 1991, inequality in earnings between 1990 and 2000, unemployment
figures, by ward and DC level, TSN compared to non-TSN area statistics,
education and health statistics.
Main
Findings
- The report provides eight recommendations
for the way ahead. As the recommendations are not based on a wide debate,
the recommendations are quite general. From these general recommendations
it is hoped that a more detailed proposal will eventually emerge.
- Recommendations include the possibility
of an OFM/DFM initiated debate on the need to develop policy that will
combat the main causes of social need. The strategy should focus on
real issues of poverty and disadvantage.
- The strategy should have primary targets
based on key indicators including poverty, income, employment, the environment,
health and education.
- Close liaison should be maintained with
the United Kingdom Government on the key issues and also with the Republic
of Ireland Government on their National Anti-Poverty Strategy.
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