The Object of this Bill is:

(i) to introduce the social reforms announced during the Budget Speech for financial year 1978 I 1979 regarding pensions, unemployment benefit, classes of contributions (including a lower rate for certain categories of self-employed), manner of payment of contributions, to establish a means test for exemption from the payment of the class two contributors, and to introduce a rational minimum pension;
(ii) to increase the rates of contributions and benefits;
(iii) to bring into line the payment conditions of females on pension age with those of males;
(iv) to deem 'persons in possession of a trading licence as gainfully occupied;
(v) to provide for the payment of all monies due by way of contributions or otherwise into the Treasury for the payment of benefits and accounting for such monies and benefits and for advances out of the Consolidated Fund or the Treasury Clearance Fund;
(vi) to increase the fines that may be imposed by the Court or the Director of Social Services;
(vii) to remove certain excepted employment; and
(viii) to provide for certain minor and consequential amendments.