Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The voluntary contribution, VC, scheme is open to people under 66 years of age who are no longer compulsorily insured, namely, they have ceased to be an employed or self employed contributor and do not have an entitlement to credited contributions. As stated by Senator Moloney, there is widespread entitlement nowadays to different types of credited contributions but people do not always apply for them. Perhaps there is an issue in that regard in respect of the twin sisters to whom Senator Healy Eames refers. However, I do not know the circumstances of the case and cannot comment on it.