Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We had a good discussion on Committee Stage on a number of different issues relating to the Bill. We have reflected on much of what was discussed and, in particular, on amendments raised by Senators Higgins and Ruane. I have made many amendments to the Bill as a result. There will be some other amendments, which I will need to take to the Dáil and, as a result, return to the Seanad. I have been able to accommodate many of the amendments proposed on Committee Stage. I have reflected on the language of some and there are some that, unfortunately, I cannot accept. It will become clearer as we go through this Stage but I have taken much on board. I thank the Members for their contributions.

Amendment No. 83 creates a new section of the Bill providing for the addition of the National Shared Services Office, NSSO, to the list of public bodies specified under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 to collect and process the personal public service number, PPSN. Amendment No. 1 is a consequential technical amendment to the Long Title of the Bill to reflect the change. The NSSO currently uses the PPSN to provide human resources, pensions and payroll services to the Civil Service. It relies on the same lawful basis that all organisations, public or private, use to provide these services to staff. NSSO functions are currently being expanded to include the processing of financial transactions for the Civil Service, Departments and offices. Many of the grant schemes the NSSO will be expected to carry out processing on will utilise the PPSN, where appropriate, where they involve applications, claims and payments. To ensure the NSSO is able to fulfil this expanded remit and to use and process the PPSN where this is required, there is a need for the office to be made a specified body under the Social Welfare Consolidation 2005 Act. I ask the House to support the amendments.