My question relates to auto-enrolment. From January this year, all employers in the State have to make the payment on behalf of their employees. Yet, employers providing services on behalf of the State are not consistently funded to pay this vital payment. I say "consistently" because some Departments are making provision and some are not. The Department of justice has made specific provision, particularly through Cuan and the Probation Service, for auto-enrolment. When I asked every other Department and Government agency, they completely washed their hands of making provision for that auto-enrolment payment. The Department of Social Protection and Tusla said "No". The Department of Health said "No" but also said it would be gathering data this year. I raise this because it is an enormous issue for home care providers, family support organisations, child support organisations and many section 39 organisations across this country. There was a pay deal last year but it was a pay deal - it had nothing to do with making provision for pensions. Will this Government ensure that services funded by the State are given proper provision for that auto-enrolment payment year on year?

I thank the Deputy for flagging this important issue. I will make some further inquiries on foot of her raising it with me. My initial sense and awareness of this issue is that the Department of Social Protection was extraordinarily proactive in promoting auto-enrolment, not just with private sector employers but also with the public service. There was a very long lead-in time for individual Departments and agencies to make their preparations and necessary resource allocations for this through the normal budgetary process that every Department has. The Deputy has got data that suggests some Departments have given different answers than others. I will certainly make my own inquiries and come back to the Deputy directly. I would also appreciate any information she has. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to look at that. I will come back to the Deputy with a more considered response.