Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform were present, he would point out that the Government reduced pensions of more than €100,000 by 20%. This measure was implemented in the context of the financial emergency legislation introduced in 2009 by the Government led by Deputy Sean Fleming's party. The legislation in question was extended by the Government and stringent conditions, including the presentation of reports to the Dáil, attach to it. Any fair-minded person will agree that the additional 20% charge the Government imposed on pensions of more than €100,000 is proportionate.