Willie Penrose
Ceist:7 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when he will publish the pensions report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10097/98]
Other Questions. - Pension Provisions.
The report of the Pensions Board on the national pensions policy initiative will be published by the board on 7 May. The national policy pensions initiative was launched in October 1996 on foot of the ESRI pensions survey, which indicated that fewer than half of workers have occupational pensions cover. The purpose of the initiative was to "facilitate a national debate on how to work towards the development of the national pensions system." A pensions consultation document was published in February 1997 and 140 submissions were received. A pensions forum was held in Dublin Castle in July 1997. The report of the pensions board brings the initiative to a conclusion.
We look forward to the recommendations of this report, which is very important in the overall context of planning for the future with regard to pensions. Will the Minister assure the House that the Opposition parties, or at least the Opposition spokespersons, will have the opportunity to see the report rather than launching it with a fanfare of publicity like the employment action report, which was launched on a Sunday through the media? That approach shows scant respect and possible discourtesy to Members. I am sure the Minister will not act in that way and that he will provide an opportunity to Members to see the report. It is an area in which I have an interest and would like to make a contribution before a spin is put on matters. We should have an educated debate before formulating a response.
I could be flippant and advise that I will adhere to the practice established by his party over the past number of years when it was in Government. However, I acknowledge the Deputy's remarks. It is a substantial and complicated report of approximately 250 pages which I have considered over the past number of weeks. I look forward to its publication and ultimate implementation.
Is it the intention to publish the report with Government decisions or will we have the opportunity to debate it before decisions are made?
The Deputy will have to wait and see.
That is unsatisfactory. The Minister should be in a position to tell the House. The matter should not be treated in that fashion. I wished to make a suggestion on contributory pensions for all but I do not see the point if the Minister's reaction is as evidenced by his last answer. There is much interest by Members in all aspects of pensions, including contributory pensions. The House should be given the opportunity to make constructive suggestions and proposals which may feed into executive action.
When the report is published next Thursday there will be plenty of opportunity for the House and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Family, Community and Social Affairs to consider it.