Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Ten years ago the value of the public service pension liability was €25 billion. In 2007, it had trebled to €75 billion, 50% of GNP. The Minister claims it will double again. By then, 100% of GNP will be tied up in pension liabilities to public servants who constitute 15% of total employment. Is that a sustainable model? We have defined benefit schemes which are being closed in other countries. Can we continue to sustain this model in the public service? If not, does the Minister believe there needs to be some action rather than report after report?

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