Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the House will debate legislation in the event of a no-deal Brexit in March. Yesterday, the matter of insurance cover in a no-deal scenario was brought to our attention. Obviously, we have a basic right to travel but it transpires that the European Commission has established we will need a green card when travelling to the United Kingdom. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has intimated this to the House, yet the insurance industry has not been informed and nor have consumers. This is worrying for people who will travel, including me as I have in-laws in the North, and also for those whose business involves travelling, for instance, taxi drivers. Many people who contacted insurance companies this morning were unable to get information. I calling my insurance company but its telephone line was jammed. It is time for the Government or the Minister to make a statement on the requirement for a travel insurance green card in the event of a no-deal Brexit. This is only one issue that has cropped up which will affect people's daily lives. I am sure that there will be many more.

Many of us in this House fought for equality in the State old age pension and to reverse the changes made by the Fine Gael-Labour Party Government in 2012. Last year, we were promised that payments would be made to people with contributory pensions in the first part of 2019. These payments have not been made. There is also an issue with the IT system in the Department. Many pensioners are required to submit further information but experience difficulties with the online system. I ask that the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection come to the House to outline the position regarding these payments and provide clarity on when people will receive them.

Finally, I wish everyone a happy St. Valentine's Day.