Ivor Callely (Independent)

The Pension Board's annual report published yesterday raises a number of issues which are causing concern, particularly the combined deficit of in excess of €25 billion in defined benefit pension schemes. This deficit is causing serious anxiety and concern for a large proportion of the population. Given current demographic trends, I ask the Leader to arrange a broad ranging debate on what the future holds for the social welfare pension system and private and defined benefit pension schemes. In this regard, I repeat my old mantra of asking the Leader to ensure there is a structure to the debate and to have the appropriate briefing documents made available to Senators.

I appreciate the Leader's indication that he will arrange a debate on carers. Having asked a question some days ago about the date on which the debate will be held, I had hoped he would set a date. I ask him to do so now and use the debate as a model for future debates. By this I mean we should ask the Carers Association and other voluntary, charitable and community care providers, as well as representatives of the Health Service Executive and Department of Health and Children, to provide us with the briefing material required to have a meaningful debate.