Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also have had representations from the Senior Citizens Parliament and representatives of deferred pensioners on this matter. There seems to be a twofold problem here. First, pensioners had a right of audience to the industrial relations machinery of the State up until the 1970s. That right was removed on the basis that pensions in payment could not be reduced. Of course, that has now changed as a result of the pension levy and it will also change as a result of this legislation. Therefore, the question arises as to whether the right of audience should now be restored and there is a very strong case for such a restoration. The second problem is that of the rights of deferred pensioners. On the question of restructuring under this legislation, there seems to be a difference in the treatment of deferred pensioners as opposed to active pensioners but we will come to that later in the debate.

I had intended to propose an amendment along the same lines as the one before us, not with the same figures necessarily but one which would make the legislation more progressive. The objective was to hit the higher-paid pensioners harder and to offer more protection to those on lower pensions. I published legislation some time ago in that vein. The figures set out in Deputy Ó Snodaigh's amendments would make the legislation more progressive than it currently is and for that reason, I will be supporting his amendments.