Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Higgins. We had asked our ICTU witnesses and colleagues specifically to address recommendations 32 to 36, inclusive. The Department of Social Protection will come before the committee to address the social protection recommendations 13 to 19, inclusive. Recommendations 17 to 19, inclusive, relate to pensions. On foot of Senator Higgins questions the witnesses are free to make a response now but we might invite them to submit a short written follow-up on ICTU's views on the specific recommendations 17 to 19, inclusive. We are not straying beyond our remit as a committee because we are confined to the recommendations of the citizens' assembly but it made quite broad recommendations on the impact of gender equality of pension rules. Any commentary the witnesses have on this would be welcome, but I am conscious we did not ask them for it when inviting them before the committee today. They may wish to respond to Senator Higgins now. A response by way of writing in follow-up would be good.