I must reply to the questions on the particular resolutions. On the issue of the universal social charge, USC, and in response to Deputy Sean Fleming, the Government is eliminating a relief established by Fianna Fáil in government. When it introduced the social charge, it put the 4% USC on incomes of more than €60,000 in respect of certain pensioners. The Government is eliminating that relief and it will apply at the 7% rate.

As for risk equalisation, the purpose of the risk equalisation scheme is to implement the Government's commitment to community rating, the purpose of which is to ensure that the permanent health insurance system is fair to older and more ill members of the health insurance schemes. In that respect, I might also note the preferential loan rate is not a benefit. It is a benefit-in-kind tax imposed on employees who get cheap loans from their employers. Deputy Boyd Barrett may misunderstand its purpose but it is a tax to prevent employees from getting beneficial loans and will generate some revenue for the State.

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