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

Okay. I take Mr. Donohoe's point that a situation might arise where the scheme fails and younger members could be at a disadvantage, as it would have been better for them had the closure not been delayed. If all of the younger members of defined benefit pension schemes were polled, though, I imagine that they would prefer to have some type of protection in place.

I thank the witnesses for attending. I welcome Mr. Murray and Mr. Donohoe's points. This is a pre-legislative session, which means that the next Stage will see the Bill undergoing detailed committee consideration. I do not doubt that there will be amendments in the course of that. We will take into account what the witnesses have stated. Other parties will table amendments and we will consider any that is reasonable. Our intention is not to drive any company into insolvency and create unemployment for their employees. We will ensure that the final product is carefully drafted to safeguard against that.