John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The EMC concluded that principal pension savings that are locked away should be maintained and it reported this to the Government. The interdepartmental group on mortgage arrears also examined this. There is a temptation to open this up and I can see the benefits in the short term. However, this was given a major examination by the EMC.

The implications of section 19 of the Finance Act can be raised with the Minister for Finance. It is a big concern that only 51% in employment aged between 20 and 69 have pension coverage, so clearly there are many people under pressure who would not have the facility of a pension. That is the concern of the Government. Bringing a universal concept to that area would be a very wise investment for later years.

From the reply given by the Minister, Deputy Burton, no consideration is being given at the moment to the Deputy's proposals. However, the Deputy can raise them with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Finance and I have no doubt they will reply to her.

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