Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The Green Paper on pensions is before the Cabinet and consideration is being given to its publication date. We have not yet completed our full consideration of the document but it is a fine work and will add enormously to the debate on pensions. It is a matter of judgment as to whether such a document should be published in the current political climate. I did respond to a request from Deputy Stanton on the publication date for the carers' strategy and subsequently cancelled it at his request. I am not saying I will do likewise with the Green Paper on pensions but I will give some consideration in the days ahead as to whether it might be wiser not to introduce such a document into a political campaign.

I have always maintained the pensions debate is an intergenerational issue that should not be mired in political controversy. I want a mature discussion on pensions so as to ensure people are entitled to a decent income in their older age. I am taking these matters into consideration as to whether the document should be published in the near future or left to another time.

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