Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have two short questions. I revert to some of Dr. McDonnell's earlier comments in respect of the letter from the Governor of the Central Bank to the Minister, Deputy Noonan, in which the Governor recommended that our debt ratio should fall from 60%. Is Dr. McDonnell basically stating he disagrees with that advice and that it would be better to use what leeway there is for investment?

Given that he has rightly suggested pension coverage for certain people is very inadequate, particularly lower paid workers, would Dr. McDonnell be in favour of part of the universal social charge being converted to a contribution to a supplementary pension? Also, in relation to a later comment, would Dr. McDonnell agree that the social welfare system is actually highly redistributive?