Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

I would be happy to address the House on the matter. At that stage, I would hope to be in a position to give Senators all the details.

I agree with the point made by Senator Henry that child care is crucial to lone-parent reform, which is at the heart of yesterday's document. I hope the Seanad will find time to debate that report. I have asked the Chief Whip if we can have a debate in the Dáil on the report. It would be useful to listen to the debate to see what progress can be made.

Senators Henry and Cox raised the issue of widows who cannot benefit from their husbands' PRSI contributions because they are not entitled to a second payment. I will consider this issue, which comes back to the principle of one payment. I listened to what was said today and I will consider the matter.

Senator Kitt raised the issue of aligning respite costs per county. As I am aware of the differences in the county system, which goes back a long way, I will monitor it closely. We have already discussed pensions for missionaries, which I am examining. Missionaries who return to Ireland and remain here permanently will qualify for pensions. If they come back permanently, the HRC is not an issue for them. The issue is whether one can pay a pension if they return for a couple of months and go away again, and what will be the implications for people who come back but who are not missionaries. We are all supportive of missionaries but once we sort that problem, would we then have to deal with all the NGOs which go abroad to work such as Trócaire, Gorta and so on? We would then have to go beyond them to other groups which go abroad for short periods — even business types. I am conscious of the issue and would like to sort it out. We have, however, made some solid progress on it and I look forward to hearing what the committee has to say.

The Senator also raised the possibility of people doing medicals in Ireland. I am not too familiar with that issue. It sounds unhelpful that someone must travel to the centre of the UK and I will see what the issues are in that regard. If they can be resolved, we will do so.

I have responded to Senators who are in the House but I have the responses to other Senators which I would be happy to give them. Most of them raised sensible issues about pensions and lone parents. I was particularly pleased with the fairly positive response to yesterday's document on lone parents. We should not underestimate the size of that reform. It is sensitive and substantial and I look forward to discussing it with Senators as we go forward. I thank Senators for considering this comprehensive legislation which will help many people in their daily lives.

Under Standing Order 121, I ask the Leas-Chathaoirleach to direct the Clerk of the Seanad to make a formal correction to the Bill replacing the word "Act" in line 5 of page 29 with the word "section".