John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am almost finished. From the date of the last election and when the new regime kicks in there should be a knock-on pension of a type that will link to the public sector grade to which Senators will be linked.

My final point relates to maternity and paternity leave. The issue at the moment comes down to the fact that expenses cannot be claimed when they are not earned because people are unable to do their job because they are out on maternity leave and paternity leave. The Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, and I will do work shortly on the issue of equality because it affects all politicians, including Oireachtas Members. We are the only public servants, whether councillors or Oireachtas Members, who have no entitlement. I know the Minister of State is anxious to do something on it and I wil ljoin him to add the perspective of councillors.