Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I would like the issue addressed. We know why the link arose between pay and pensions and that changes came into play after 1995.

I hope we can confront the challenges facing us. We are facing a global recession and difficult decisions must be taken. The Minister for Finance has shown he has the courage to do that. He has certainly has put his best foot forward in terms of stabilising the public finances and that is the most important issue that faces us. If we do not make these decisions, it is possible we might not be able to borrow money to pay current salaries and if that is the case, we can forget about future pensions. I commend the Minister on his actions. I hope he will be successful in the work he has to do in the future.

See this speech in context