Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The current deficit in the fund can be met in this and for some future years from the accumulated surplus. Therefore, there is no need as yet to plug the gap. However, it will be important to keep the situation under review. We must examine all revenue-raising measures and savings in terms of how they impact on families. This is one of the measures that is kept under review by both Departments. For now, that shortfall can be met from the surplus.

See this speech in context