It has been suggested that the Government should renege on its commitment to implement the report of the independent Public Service Benchmarking Body. The Government has no intention of so doing. We have an agreement on which both sides must deliver if we are to achieve the quality of services we all want. Senators will be aware of the initiatives the Minister has introduced over the years to fund the State's future pension liability and to encourage people to provide for their own pensions. These initiatives have been extremely necessary in light of predicted demographic problems in the future. It is estimated that the number of people of pensionable age will increase threefold over the next 50 years. The major economic problem this represents for the future must be addressed now. The Government has therefore decided to introduce changes to the pension arrangements for new entrants to the public service from 1 April next year. The minimum pension age in most cases will be 65. Staff who enter the public service will be permitted to continue working after they reach that age. It is important to note that existing staff and pensioners will not be affected. Revised arrangements will also come into effect for the Garda, prison officers and members of the Defence Forces.