Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

When the Minister introduced this increase in pension age entitlement it was a cutback, or a savings measure. It would be disingenuous, therefore, to paint it as some type of affirmation for active aging.

Comment was made on the enabling clause. I share the reluctance to give to the Minister those kinds of powers. I note also that the enabling clause, if I understand it correctly, applies in respect of existing entitlements. There is a problem in the legislation that I have raised with the Minister, in that the new scheme applies to new entrants. This causes a situation within the civil and public service where there is a two-tier system in operation.

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