Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before I commence I wish to remind members participating remotely that they must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. We have reconvened to continue our discussion on the recently published report of the Commission on Pensions.

This is our third session of public hearings. As previously mentioned the State pension is valued by all of society and is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is extremely effective at preventing pensioners from falling into poverty and we want to make sure this remains the case into the future. Last week, we heard from the Commission on Pensions chairperson, Ms Josephine Feehily. The commission was an independent body made up of pension experts, academics and workers representative groups. The commission has completed its work. Its comprehensive report was published last month. This report states that that current State pension is not sustainable in its current format and needs to be changed. The population is set to increase from 5 million to more than 6 million by 2050. That is something we need to plan for to ensure that older people have an adequate pension and a safety net to keep them out of poverty.

There are clear challenges in ensuring the sustainability of state pensions for future generations. This has been known for many years and is confirmed by the report of the Commission on Pensions. The Government has asked this committee for our views on the recommendations set out in the report. This follows on from the committee's remit and our recent submission to the commission.

The committee's submission and during contributions at the various pensions hearings has consistently highlighted the issues related to those who are in manual employment who may not be physically able to continue work beyond 65 years and a related group, namely family carers, who may not have the contributions to avail of a full contributory pension. At our hearings last week we touched on this particular pension challenge facing family carers in the home, predominantly women, and the self-employed, particularly those in the construction industry. In this regard, I welcome Mr. Michael Taft, senior economist and Ms Rachel Ryan, barrister and head of legal rights unit, SIPTU; Mr. Liam Berney, industrial officer, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU; and Ms Clare Duffy, policy and public affairs manager, Family Carers Ireland.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded that full parliamentary privilege only applies to those participating from within the precincts of Leinster House. Witnesses participating remotely should exercise caution in terms of their utterances accordingly and be attentive to the direction of the Chair in this regard.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Taft to make his opening statement.