Ms Niamh O'Donoghue:

Given the demographic profile of the population, the cost of State pensions under the current structure will continue to increase. The findings of the actuarial review last summer were consistent with those in the review carried out five years ago. There is a difficulty there which is what influenced the changes that were introduced to the structure of pensions. Further changes may be required. There are a number of different elements being considered. The OECD is considering pensions policy at the behest of the Minister and it is expected that it will report very shortly. The report should help influence future policy determination on pensions. It is specifically aimed to take account of the fact that there is an imbalance there. We have a population that is ageing. The dependency ratio between those in work and those who will be dependent on pensions will change. Life expectancy issues and birth rates highlight the fact that there is a problem for the future unless something is done.

To correct Deputy O'Donnell on an earlier matter, it has been clarified to me that while a number of community welfare officers have moved into different roles in the Department, there is no community welfare officer in the special investigations unit, or SIU, as of yet. Obviously, there are community welfare officers working in control. The Department is currently running a competition. Work in SIU attracts an allowance and the competition is open to community welfare officers.