The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity said today that the proposed Investment Plan for 2015 provides a global allocation of 52.2 million Euros, representing an increase of 17% compared to the Plan that is currently in force.

Andreia Cardoso spoke to journalists after being heard at the Committee on Social Affairs of the Legislative Assembly. The government official stressed that the proposed Plan for 2015 will be implemented through "two programmes and eight actions in the areas of Solidarity and Housing."

"The proposal includes key actions for the promotion of social cohesion and reinforces the economic approach to people and families; it will be embodied in community support," said the Regional Secretary. In addition, the government official added that the document also gives special emphasis, among other measures, to the protection of childhood, the combat to the isolation of the senior community, the support to people with disabilities, the promotion of equality and the support to people and families in a vulnerable situation.

Andreia Cardoso noted that the reinforcement of the plan is "quite substantial." According to her, it will "be able to reach the desired coverage rates in a significant number of social responses," including day nurseries, occupational activity centres, homes for people with disabilities. The support to people with special needs is one the Government's top priorities in the Plan for 2015.
The Regional Secretary added that there will be the possibility to improve the existing social responses in certain municipalities, such as elderly homes, day centres and night centres.

According to Andreia Cardoso, the promotion of equality of opportunities is another major priority set in the proposed plan for 2015; the investment in this area will also benefit from a significant increase.

"The definition of these priorities was achieved by maintaining a constant dialogue with social partners, along with various political partners. It also counted with valuable contribution arising from the Strategic Concertation Council, thus resulting in a realistic document that aims, above all, to invest in Azorean citizens," assured Andreia Cardoso.