Mr. Ciarán Lawler:

As I stated, it is a much more complex issue. We have been looking at benchmarking and indexation for many decades. We now have a policy position in respect of pensions, as well as a recommendation from the pensions commission. Working-age payment rates are far more complex. As I stated, there are various rates of payment. There are different groups of people in different circumstances, such as jobseekers, people with disabilities and lone parents. Some of those payments are on different payment rates. Several factors that need to be considered in the context of working-age payments are not as relevant when it comes to pensions. We will start the process this year. I do not have a conclusion date for the reasons I have outlined. We have other commitments to examine in respect of working-age payments, such as pay-related benefit and the concept of a working-age payment which would, if implemented, change the structure of the social welfare system.