Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament highlighted this issue in correspondence to all of us, including the Minister. They were looking for the right of audience for pensioners. They also expressed their dissatisfaction over not having had the opportunity to come in and present to the committee. Many of us wondered why there is such a rush with this legislation and why there was not an opportunity to consider it given its far-reaching implications for so many pensioners and future pensioners.

However, it was the case that up until the 1970s, pensioners had a right of audience through the industrial relations machinery of the State and subsequent changes to the law meant they were denied this. At the time, the argument used by the then Government was that since pensioners in payment could not be reduced, there was no need for such access to the industrial relations machinery. Matters have changed dramatically since then in respect of the stamp duty pension levy and what is being proposed in this legislation, if it proceeds. Consequently, that argument no longer stands and in light of this, there should be a right of audience for pensioners who are affected by this legislation. I appeal to the Minister to grant such a right of audience. It is an issue of concern but one has seen, through various different organisations, as well as some trade unions, a lack of willingness to continue to engage with pensioners. Current workers are the main concern within a trade union but very often, pensioners within different sectors consider themselves to be left out and voiceless in many ways, because there is no official mechanism in which to have their voices heard. In light of the recent assault on pensions that is being continued through this legislation, it is only right that pensioners should be allowed a voice in these matters.