David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

When the Minister says he plans to publish a Green Paper in the coming months does he mean this side of Christmas, this side of Easter, by this time next year or when? What does he mean when he refers to the coming months? The Minister has been talking about this issue for some time and now action is needed.

The State pension currently stands at 33% of gross average industrial earnings. In 1987 it was 38%, therefore the figure seems to have decreased quite a bit.

What is the Minister's view on the various options put forward by the Pensions Board? Is he in favour of the Kiwi Saver in New Zealand or the mandatory pension scheme in Australia? What is the position on part-time workers and pensions? Does the Minister agree that part-time workers are particularly disadvantaged where pension coverage is concerned?

See this speech in context