John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last year, as Minister for Social Protection, the Taoiseach approved the publication of the general scheme of the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registration Bill. It was hoped to progress Second Stage before the summer recess last year. It did not conclude until October of last year and there was a real sense of urgency. There are obviously huge difficulties with defined benefit schemes. There are serious delays now. The committee is waiting to get it for Committee Stage. We allocated time on a number of occasions, including tomorrow, only to be told that the Minister and her amendments are not ready to move to Committee Stage. A flag was raised by Government last year. It sent out a message to many businesses of the intentions of Government, many of which are actively winding down defined benefit schemes, none more so than Irish Life, which is watching this in the hope that this will pass before its scheme closes on 30 June.

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