Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister for Social Protection attend the House for a debate on pensions? It is essential we have a strong, analytical and informed debate on the issue. Recent reports have shown that young people who have the opportunity to pay into pension schemes because their employers are making contributions are not doing so. As a consequence, they will find themselves disadvantaged in later life. Last night I spoke to somebody who was in receipt of a pension from the Houses of the Oireachtas and paying tax at 53%. There is a need to look at this issue. Part of the debate should revolve around the appointment of a Minister or a Minister of State with responsibility for pensions because somebody should focus on pensions solely. It is clear that the Minister for Social Protection who covers a wide-ranging area with many challenges cannot put the focus that is necessary on this area, especially if we are to meet the huge demographic challenges which will arise in the coming decades. I appeal for a debate on this issue. The State pension will be inadequate to provide for people in old age because of the fiscal position. We must, therefore, encourage and incentivise people to participate and providing for themselves in old age, which means having a proper, well thought out and coherent pension policy, which is not in place.