Mr. Barry O'Brien:

Dr. Geraldine Smith made it clear at the last hearing that to gain access to a public pension, one had to be paid according to the consolidated salary scales approved by the Government. The issue arising is that there was a separate pension fund rather than a debate over whether the individuals concerned were public servants. One of the key recommendations was clearly enunciated approval by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of a public sector pay policy. As the Chairman noted, it was stated they were public servants.