Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Minister of State is here to represent the Minister for public expenditure. I understand what the answer is saying but it does not answer how or why these people are affected. I am asking if any changes can be made so that these people will benefit from any increases. It sounds good but people who worked in the HSE, councils, hospitals or in local authorities and many different public service areas are all affected. Can anything be done to address this? They should be entitled to the increase. I understand that some were not paying the full rate of PRSI, they are retired and they are pensioners and many are in their 70s and 80s. The cost of everything has gone up, as I have said. I would ask that the Minister of State take this back to the Minister for public expenditure.