Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 30:

In page 13, after line 38, to insert the following new section:"Report on the pension bands and rates

17.The Minister shall, within 3 months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before the Dáil a full report regarding the impact of "the 2012 Pension anomaly" on recipients and re-instating the pre 2012 bands and rates to all those affected by the "anomaly" in the next Budget.".

I have taken on board the fact the Minister has mentioned and committed to going to the Cabinet committee on the report she has to date.

I want to ensure there is a fall-back position whereby if it does not happen before December or January, the report should be brought before us within three months of the Bill being passed. This is to secure a proper debate on the issue. The original amendment I submitted sought an intent to reinstate at the latest in the next budget. Hopefully that would be earlier if possible. It is a huge issue.

Last night approximately 60 women, and men, turned up outside Leinster House to highlight the issue. It is really good to see people getting organised in this regard. I have pulled out material by Michael Clifford from 2014 when it was only individuals who were coming forward and approaching Deputies to make representations for them. We would then contact all the different groupings and the Minister on their behalf. Now that more people have been hit - the figure is approximately 42,000 - it has become more of an issue. People are demanding that this issue be addressed because they feel very discriminated against. That was the feeling outside Leinster House last night.

The Minister stated earlier that the only motions on the agenda were for three-monthly reports but this report is already going through the process. We are not asking for another report, it is just about ensuring that the report comes through within three months and is not delayed.