Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

This section deals with changes in the ministerial pension legislation. Currently a pension is payable if the former office holder applies for it within six months of becoming eligible for it, otherwise it is payable from the date of application. This amendment will allow for payment of a ministerial pension to be backdated to a date not earlier than the date of entitlement.

Did somebody forget to apply for a ministerial pension so as to warrant the introduction of this change to the legislation? Does it relate to a specific individual? All politicians are very bad at looking after their entitlements. The matter is rather intriguing. Does the amendment relate to a specific case and can the Minister perhaps enlighten us as to what gave rise to this amendment?

See this speech in context