David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

It is only 34 or 35 years ago since the marriage bar was removed and only now its impact has become evident as a result of women affected by it reaching pension age and realising the injustice done to them. While the number of women involved is increasing, it is a limited number.

The Minister is losing his touch and has slipped up badly. I am amazed he has not featured on the front page of one of the Sunday newspapers announcing plans to do something about the situation.

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