Ms Mary Kennedy:

We cannot comment on that suggestion. I will ask Ms Roche to revert to the Deputy regarding the indexation model. Various models were suggested in the scope of the review. Ms Murphy will address the question on TASC and the framework.

The Deputy mentioned illness benefit and the reduced cost. He will recall that, in social welfare legislation approximately two years ago, we changed the entitlement. Previously, if one had more than 260 paid contributions, there was no limit to the period covered by one's illness benefit. A two year limit was introduced, which is what we were referring to when we spoke of an impact. One cannot stay on illness benefit forever. Previously, a limit only applied if one had fewer than 260 paid contributions.