Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I would like to follow up on what Senator Paschal Mooney has said and our Second Stage discussion on this issue. The Minister is establishing a special reform commission to examine the fairness of the social welfare system and the effectiveness of social protection. Perhaps, on or before September 2012, she might submit to the House an impact report on the effectiveness of the PRSI changes being introduced in section 3(1)(c) of the Bill. Such a report should assess the extent to which employment will have been created as a result of this measure, reflect on any defects or amendments the legislation may have produce and suggest possible modifications of this approach that might be necessary as a result of the assessment.

Everyone in the country is being tested and scrutinised. I know this measure has been introduced in good faith to encourage employment creation and reduce the cost of services. If there is any abuse of the measure, it will be worth discovering where it might have happened in order that things will able to proceed thereafter in a more favourable way for the country and citizens.

Although I am not pursuing my amendment, I would be pleased if the Minister were to accept the point I have made about what should be considered when this measure is being reviewed. The special reform commission should be required to examine the effectiveness of this considerable measure, which is to be welcomed.