Vol. 503 No. 3
79 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the consultations, if any, he has had with the Pensions Board regarding the proposed changes in the Finance Bill for the self-employed; and if he will make a statement on these proposals in view of his commitments on the national pensions policy initiative. [6554/99]
300 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the consultations, if any, which took place with the Pensions Board regarding the proposed changes in the Finance Bill for the self-employed; and if he will make a statement on these proposals in view of his commitments on the national pensions policy initiative. [6411/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 300 together.
When I announced the principles that lay behind the new arrangements for retirement provision for the self-employed and others in my budget speech last December I indicated that there would be appropriate consultation with the Pensions Board and other expert bodies prior to finalising proposals for the Finance Bill. My officials subsequently met with the Pensions Board after the budget to discuss these principles.
After the publication of the Finance Bill I met with representatives of the Pensions Board on 24 February. There was correspondence from the Pensions Board to me and my Department in the period 23 February to 9 March.
These proposals are radical and sensible. They are definitely pro-consumer. I have had a considerable input in forming my views from Members of the Oireachtas, pension commentators, the experts in the Revenue Commissioners and the advisers in my Department. In the final analysis these proposals have my stamp on them and the approval of the Government.
