Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like other speakers I wish to mention the PRSI changes. I understand the concerns of Senators on the other side of the House with regard to cuts to PRSI. However, the extra ¤5 charge will serve to bolster their entitlements in certain circumstances. As the Minister said this morning, it is the best value for ¤5 that a person could obtain. There has been no reduction in social welfare payments and this must have been very difficult to achieve. The PRSI paid by every taxpayer will bolster entitlements and this is a significant point.