Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Before we continue to discuss Vote 35 relating to pension benefits, I wish to extend the sincere sympathies of the committee to the families of those lost in the tragedy off the Mayo coast last week. People have partaken in exceptionally good work on behalf of this State. It is most regrettable that the accident took place. I hope the recovery can be advanced as quickly as possible because it is desperate and a tragedy to have to lose people. Moreover, it is tragic to have to wait for the recovery of persons. This adds immensely to the grief and hurt those families are going through. We want to extend to the members of the Coast Guard our appreciation of the outstanding work they do in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

We will proceed with the discussion on pensions. We are sticking rigidly to the programme. The first person who indicated was Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan.