Chairman:

The 2012 anomaly in the contributory pension was not recognised for a long time as being a stand-alone item but was regarded as part of the general reform of pensions. I acknowledge the progress the Minister has made and wish her well, along with her Cabinet colleagues, in the coming weeks as it has to be addressed. I thank her for work and the clarity she has brought to the matter today. I also thank her officials, namely, Mr. McKeon, Mr. Crean and Mr. Lawler, for their attendance. I remind members that the joint committee will meet at 10.45 a.m.