I want to refer to the general scheme of the social welfare and pensions Bill 2017. Elements of the proposed Bill intend to deal with abuse in the welfare system. However, I note the inaction to date of the Department in chasing up more than €450 million owed to the State by companies the liabilities of which had to be covered by the taxpayer. Will there be provisions in the proposed Bill which will lead to the Department getting tough in the context of recouping the moneys owed to the State by such companies?

The heads of that legislation were cleared by Cabinet on Tuesday and it is now going for pre-legislative scrutiny. Hopefully, the Bill will be published after that. There will be an opportunity to raise that issue in committee.