Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis. I thank Mr. Barnes. It is interesting to hear that. The reason I asked is that I am a member of two different committees that are very much focused on this matter. It is, therefore, topical and submissions need to be in by the end of the month.

The report also notes the Commission on Pensions package of reforms and the council's concern with delays in raising the pension age and PRSI increases. I am interested in hearing IFAC's views on employer PRSI evasion through so-called bogus self-employment. The Committee of Public Accounts heard recently that more than €1 billion in PRSI is lost as a result of this practice every year. The Sinn Féin view on the pension age is quite clear. It seems unfair that we would force people to work longer while certain employers are allowed to shirk their tax obligations in this regard. We heard that bogus self-employment arises in particular in the construction sector. If we are hoping to ramp up construction, the practice should be looked at. What is the council's view on bogus self-employment, particularly its impact on pension expenditure sustainability?