asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for the delay in the implementation of a national income-related pension scheme along the lines of one of the models suggested in the Green Paper of 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Income-Related Pension Scheme.
22.
The Green Paper of 1976 did not contain proposals for a national income-related pension scheme. It was a discussion document designed to elicit the views of interested parties on the major issues involved. It is essential that all views should be considered before firm proposals are made. The preparatory work involved has now reached that stage and I would expect to be in a position to make definite proposals for future action during the course of the year.
What form will that take?
They are the crucial decisions.
Will the Minister be bringing in a Bill to that effect?
Yes.
This year?
I do not know if the Bill will be in this year, but I hope to advance the situation very considerably during the course of this year.
The Minister said a lot of work had already taken place.
I also indicated that the decision will be very considerably advanced during the course of this year.
What does he mean by "very considerably advanced"? When does he envisage that the required legislation giving effect to whatever proposals there are in his Department could be expected to be brought before the Dáil?
All I can say at this stage is that I hope to make definite proposals this year.
Definite proposals to whom? To the cabinet? To the Dáil?
To the Irish nation.
Is it the Minister's intention that the next step in this operation ought to be the publication of a White Paper?
I have not decided that but I will consider it.
Will he say if there will be an interim step between the notification of the draft Bill or——
I have not decided that yet but I will consider a White Paper.
Does the Minister not consider a White Paper would be another stalling tactic?
I gather Deputy Boland would like a White Paper.
I would like information.
Would the Minister consider it advisable to introduce a Bill on this matter?
Perhaps.