Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a follow-up question on pensions in the context of what ICTU is saying about them. It is not so much about what the Government or others are saying. We know that tax relief at a marginal rate predominantly benefits men. There is talk of increasing the number of years of contributions required. When the requirement for contributions was increased in the past, it pushed a huge number of women onto a partial pension. They got a reduced-rate State contributory pension. We know that previous changes moved things backwards for many women and led to many cuts for women in the actual pensions they received every year. I would really like to know what ICTU proposes and what it thinks on the proposals for pensions with regard to ensuring gender equality. It is one of the key demands, and one of the key areas in respect of which we have recommendations. It is one on which ICTU will have a very important voice. What does ICTU propose in terms of gender equality in pensions?