Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that and I have read the report. That is why I am concerned as there are lacunae in it. As I said, the elephant in the room relates to other areas of expenditure. Much of what the commission did was calculating how we would pay for this. The very large figure of €2.9 billion is not financially justifiable in the other part of our Exchequer's expenditure and was not examined in that regard.

A 40-year contributory requirement will have more of an impact on women, although it will affect everybody. I am really concerned about us moving to that. The leap from ten years to 20 years was quite hard and had major ripple effects across society. We all know people who came to us about that. Going from 20 years to 40 years will be pretty devastating and we will feel the effects. If the Minister is moving forward with this I urge her to consider the 30 years option.

I will press the amendment, although I will not force a vote. It is too important to not press the amendment. I know good work was done in the Commission on Pensions and I have looked at the report. Some of the core equality points and social jeopardy of bad decisions remain. We have seen before how well-meaning pensions reform has had very serious effects on equality. To be frank, I am worried. I know we will look at it and the committee will engage with the report. I recognise that. I will follow up with the Minister with some questions on these matters.