John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have tabled a similar amendment No. 38, which looks for the report to be published and presented to us within a two-month timeframe in order that the changes can be made as soon as possible. We have given the issue extensive discussion and debate at this committee and in the Dáil Chamber. We know the impact this measure is having on 42,000 older people. In fairness to the Minister, she has listened and has said she is prepared to act on it. I do not question her sincerity in that regard. I have a fear, however. There are other reports out there and we have been promised changes on many other issues that unfortunately get held up and delayed elsewhere. This is why it is essential that an amendment be made with a timeframe to hold the Government to account to produce this report. Extensive work has gone in to publishing it and in going through all the data, including paper and computerised records. We need to see that report. The measure has had an impact across the board for 42,000 older citizens and their entitlements to their contributory pension. We know it has discriminated more against older women. It needs to be changed. This is where I disagree; we need the report and I do not believe we can wait until next years' budget. Having listened to what has been said I hope it can be implemented sooner than that.

My amendment has left out a timeframe, other than it needs to be implemented straight away, but we need the report within a two-month timeframe. The work has been done on it and we need to see the report but more importantly, we need the changes brought in. There have been conflicting messages from the Government about this. I touched on this at a previous committee meeting. The Taoiseach is saying one thing about moving towards addressing the issue through total contributions in 2021 but the Minister is saying something completely different. We need the report. I hope the difference in opinion - real or otherwise - at Government level will not hold back the publication of the report. It is essential because if there are conflicting thoughts on the issue at Government level, an amendment such as this built into the Social Welfare Bill will hold the Government to producing the report. Much hope has built up over the last number of months. The figure of 42,000 people has grown on a yearly basis. This time last year it was 35,000 or 36,000 older citizens ad now it is up to 42,000. We have not even touched on the issue of retrospective payment. The longer this anomaly is left to go on, the more older citizens will be punished because of what I describe as the grotesque changes that were made in 2012 to the changes to the rates and bands. I will push amendment No. 38 to hold the Government to account to produce this report and, more importantly, to account for what actions will be taken to reverse the 2012 changes.