Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The number of people at work is increasing all the time. The number of people contributing is growing steadily and is currently at 2.8 million. Assuming the economy keeps growing, in line with the Central Bank and other independent projections, the income to the fund will increase. Any proposals made in the context of the election campaign and manifestos are the subject of hot and heavy debate in the coming weeks. From my side of the House, we have recommended reducing the employee PRSI rate from 4% to 2%. We also propose adjusting self-employed PRSI from 3% to 2%. There is a cost involved and such costs must be provided from the Exchequer so that the fund will not be short as a result of policy proposals that the public may support.

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