Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any measures being discussed in the context of the budget. Deputy Morgan referred to what are revenue-raising measures for the Exchequer. However, PRSI contributions go directly into the social insurance fund and cannot be diverted for other purposes. Any changes in PRSI provisions must be made with the agreement of the Minister for Finance. Savings across other Departments do not impact on the fund and PRSI receipts do not impact on the Exchequer.

See this speech in context