Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Conway's remarks. He made a wise decision and he always adds to debates in the House. The object, as I understood it, was to reduce the incidence of imprisonment and we all support that. It is singularly expensive and it also introduces people to what is called the "university of crime".

The Minister of State referred to the attachment sections and any prospective burdens that would be placed on employers. Having examined section 14 I wonder whether this is a burden which we are placing on employers. I appreciate all the efforts made and we deeply appreciate the 61,000 extra jobs. However, we only place it on some people and not others. Section 14 relates to attachment provisions. Essentially, it applies if a person is employed under a contract of employment - this is what Senator Quinn was concerned about - or is in receipt of an occupational pension. We did not really discuss whether this was a burden on pension funds. Is there a case to suggest that the Department of Social Protection has successfully lobbied against performing this task, which we have now imposed upon those who employ people? Was that considered in any way? The Department seems to be exempt under section 14. Therefore, I am concerned it may be the case that we are imposing burdens on employers and pension funds while the Department in Store Street successfully managed to exempt itself from participating. Are there files to that effect? Why has that source of attachment of earnings been forgotten?

In the discussions in the House it is said that child benefit is paid to extremely rich people and so on. Could that be attached? Occupational pensions can be attached but other pensions cannot. Was this considered? It seems to me that the possibility of an overlap between people who go to prison for non-payment of debts and social welfare might be worth examining. We all share the objective of reducing the incidence of imprisonment but it seems an anomaly that we have omitted it from that part of the Bill.