Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their consideration of the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill. As I stated earlier, I deliberately used the word "pensions" in the legislation's title for the first time. It would normally be termed a Social Welfare Bill but I included the word to demonstrate my concern about the pensions issue and to acknowledge that an important directive was being transposed.

I thank every Senator who contributed to this debate, particularly Senator Terry who put in a considerable amount of work and raised some challenging issues. I listened carefully to all the arguments that were put forward and have an open mind on these matters. My objective is to bring about better pensions and more adequacy, coverage, security and certainty for our pensioners going forward. I will do whatever it takes to realise that objective.

My reluctance to accept amendments at this stage comes from the complexity of the issues. Some of them are at too early a stage for me to form a definite view on them. I will form a view as soon as possible. As Senator Cox noted, the social welfare aspects of the Bill are also extremely important given that child benefit is such a major investment by the Irish taxpayer. I thank all the Senators for their contributions, I noted carefully what they have said and I will act on it at the earliest opportunity.