Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief because Deputy Brady has raised most of the issues. Many people feel that they have been living under the umbrella of austerity since 2008. The fact that only 85% is being given in the Christmas bonus reflects that. Why is the Government not giving 100% back, particularly as the social insurance payments are higher?

Why is there an increase of 8.2% in disability applications? Where does that figure come from or why would people be applying for that now?

The other issue is the yield relating to employer PRSI. The Government is always saying it cannot afford certain things. We are discussing the pension anomaly whereby people find themselves at a loss to the tune of €1,500 per year. The 1% increase in the 8.5% and 10.75% rates of employer PRSI would bring in €707.1 million. That would be a significant amount of money in terms of re-examining the position and giving something back to people. I have tabled an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill which seeks that a report be submitted within three months because I am aware that the Department is examining the figures and assessing how it could be paid back, probably in next year's budget.