Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

As far as the promises to look after Aer Lingus pensioners are concerned, it now appears the Government has reneged on them also. The Government is walking away from the pension issue entirely. This section in the general principles starts with the words, "Pension issues are primarily matters for the company and the staff". When I read that, I knew the Government was washing its hands of the issue. We are told the pension shortfall is to be met through the issue of new shares, as well as higher contributions from the company and the workforce. What about all the guarantees and promises that were made in this House by the Minister and the Taoiseach that the pensioners would be looked after?

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