Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

We have a range of supports available. I am happy to consider the proposal made by Deputy Timmins, but we must also ensure the State pension system is sustainable. The demographics of our country are changing very much as we speak. At present, we have four workers for every person over the age of 66. By the time we get to 2050, however, which is not that far away, this figure will be down to two. In that context, we will have to make decisions that ensure the long-term sustainability of our pension system in order that it will continue to support those who need it in the years to come, especially as those demographic changes happen. We have increased PRSI rates with regard to employees, employers and the self-employed across the Social Insurance Fund in order to sustain it. With that in mind, I will ask the officials to look at this proposal and come back to Deputy Timmins.

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