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

Apologies have been received from Senator Mark Wall. Members participating in the meeting remotely are required to do so from within the precincts of Leinster House only. I remind all those in attendance to make sure that their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

I welcome the witnesses. I wish to point out that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at this meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

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

The committee will now consider pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the social welfare (amendment) Bill 2023. The scheme aims to deal with a broad range of pension related measures, including the introduction of new flexibilities to the pension age of 66; provision for people to be given the choice to work until the age of 70 in return for a higher rate of State pension; a move to the total contribution approach exclusively over a ten-year period when calculating the rate of State pension, which was recommended by the pension commission; the introduction of a contributory State pension provision for long-term carers of more than 20 years, for the very first time; a commitment to explore a new scheme to support people who cannot continue to work in their early 60s and; the long-term sustainability of the State pension system to be addressed through gradual, incremental increases in social insurance rates.

The committee endorses the recommendations of the pension commission and welcomes the general scheme of this proposed legislation. The committee released a call for submissions last month and the closing date for the receipt of submissions was Friday, 15 September last. The committee did so because it is the strong view of the members, and the Oireachtas more generally, that inviting public submissions enhances the role of the general public and interested stakeholders in lawmaking. Disappointingly, despite requests to do so, the Department failed to make the general scheme available before the closing date for submissions, which has sadly forced this committee to bring the situation to the attention of both the Ceann Comhairle and the Business Committee. The Business Committee, at its meeting last week, has now requested that the Government amends the Cabinet handbook to ensure that all legislation referred to the Oireachtas for pre-legislative scrutiny will also be made available to every citizen in the State, thus facilitating more informed engagement in the lawmaking process. However, should the committee even at this late stage receive responses to its request for submissions from the public, they will be included in the committee's pre-legislative scrutiny report.

I welcome Mr. Tim Duggan, the Department's assistant secretary with responsibility for pensions, Mr. Colum Walsh, principal officer, pensions policy, and Ms Orlaith Mannion, principal officer, legislation and planning. They are all very welcome here this morning. I now invite Mr. Duggan to make his opening statement.