Marie Moloney (Labour)
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This is more of an observation than a question. This morning I asked about an optional payment and I am disappointed that the group is not agreeable to this; it seems it is all or nothing. The bigger self-employed businesses, which are making some money, may fight such a process because they may not want to pay extra. I was hoping people could opt for a payment and if they fell on hard times, they would be able to draw benefits.

There must be a fight for credit contributions as it is vital for pensions. There will be a gap in the pensions of these business people if they do not get that credit stamp. It was not mentioned in the presentation but it is vital. I hope the witnesses will fight hard for that and we will fight from this end.