Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

While pensioners reliant on the non-contributory pension get inadequate increases, the better off continue to be able to avail of excessively generous tax breaks for private pensions. Just think what could be done for those pensioners living in poverty if the will existed. The money frittered away on pension tax breaks which disproportionately benefit the wealthy, and amounted to €2.75 billion in 2002, could be redirected into the provision of a basic State pension for all. A basic State pension system would also deliver equality for women, who are badly serviced by the present system.

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