Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Would it? There is not clear evidence. Numerous suggestions have been put to the Minister, many saying the State has been too generous and that the Minister should claw back bonuses or abolish the scheme altogether.

Senator Hayes is providing an extra favour for the saver and there is an element of making an each way bet in his proposal. His proposal might benefit the State in the longer term. A more moderate proposal might be—