Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

No. It hardly relates to women at all. The percentages involved are, approximately 68% men and 32% women. There has been a widespread misconception that this will affect women more than men. However, that is not so. This relates to a person who has left paid employment but wishes to continue to make voluntary contributions. A number of those people would be abroad. Only a limited number of people, approximately 1,000, are involved. This might also relate to Members of this House who make contributions but who do not in some cases get entitlement as a consequence.

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