Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response. I regret that he is not accepting the amendment today but he has said he will consider it in future if necessary. My amendment should not cause any trouble for anyone, but would strengthen the powers of the Pensions Board. It would be a good provision when and if the board encountered any problems with a company in trying to secure information. I have said as much as I can on this matter, however.

I agree with the Minister that the Pensions Board, or any other body designated to act on behalf of the Government, should treat elected Members with respect and dignity. I am not just looking for answers for myself or other Members of the House, I am seeking more than that because members of the public are also entitled to such information, either from the Minister's Department or the Pensions Board. It is obvious that over a period of 12 years the Pensions Board did not want to provide this information. I still do not understand why the board did not want to do so. We will now get it and perhaps when we do, it may be clear why the board did not want this information in the public domain. We must ensure, however, that information is made available when requested. That is what the board is there for. Taxpayers' money is keeping the board's members in their positions, although I know the board also receives money from the industry, which concerns me. If one of their paymasters is the industry, then their position is not entirely independent. I would prefer if the Pensions Board was completely funded by the Government. In that case, the board may be more accountable to the Government and members of the public.

I look forward to reading the Green Paper and hope we will be able to make changes. People should be able to look forward to retirement and enjoy their pensions when that time comes. Unfortunately, most pensioners today are dependent on the State pension for the majority of their income. I regret what the Taoiseach said last weekend in his Ard-Fheis speech — that if returned to Government he would propose a reduction in PRSI contributions. That worries me because nobody has ever said to me that they would like to reduce their PRSI contributions. People realise that the social insurance fund is a very good thing and delivers welfare benefits, which I praised in yesterday's debate. The fund delivers a good State pension to all our pensioners and, while it needs to be strengthened and improved, it has served us well. I would be concerned by any proposal to reduce the fund at a time when we have a surplus because who knows what the next five, ten or 15 years will bring. I hope such a step will not be implemented.