PRSI information and Seanad work
Senator Coghlan confirms the difficulty of obtaining reliable PRSI and pension information, supports a budgetary process in the Seanad, and praises its recent innovations.
Senator O'Sullivan raised an important matter earlier. I have been in touch with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, with queries I received in that regard. Everything the Senator said about the matter is true. It is very difficult to get accurate information on contributions to PRSI and contributory pensions.
As everyone has said, it is good to be back. I compliment the Leader on taking on board Senator Darragh O'Brien's suggestion, agreed by the leaders this morning, to initiate a budgetary process, proposals, suggestions and so on in the House. Senator Darragh O'Brien, in his own imitable style, also put forward a suggestion on the property tax which will not be on because we will have to wait for budget day for the details. We will overcome that, however.
Comment on this
It was great to hear Senator McAleese provide a litany of the innovations started in the House last year. It can be useful and constructive that the Seanad will proceed in that regard. The Cathaoirleach has indulged me sufficiently and the rest of what I wish to raise can wait until tomorrow.