Ms Mary Kennedy:

It is certainly something we would have to look at over time but at the moment they do not get credits. We suggest that the option is there to become a voluntary contributor. The Senator also raised the issue of FIS and the self-employed. I do not have any information on that. Again it is something we may need to look at in the context of the other issues.

A number of members mentioned the lack of information. We recently posted to www.welfare.ie a detailed note on the self-employed. It deals with assessment of needs and other such information. I take the point that more information may be needed. I believe the Senator suggested sending a memo to all the local offices and we will certainly bring that comment back to our colleagues in that area. We have already done this and we will do it again if there is an issue with different treatments in different areas. We can certainly do that.

The Senator also sought information on pensions and I am aware of that. My understanding is that we are very close to issuing a letter to the Senator if it has not already issued. We can also send that to the Chairman to provide it to other members of the committee.

With regard to the 14.75% and 17.3%, all I can say is that the 17.3% and the other figures are the figures KPMG calculated as being the cost. The 14.75% is the current combined rate. Some people on very high salaries are paying a high amount because of the redistributive nature of the fund. What is paid in respect of some people at the lower level is quite low. That is probably how it balances out at an average of 14.75%.