Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

This is about real people's lives and this is not a global equation. The State will only recoup €800 million rather than the €1.4 billion the Taoiseach stated when the measure was announced. It, therefore, will not work. The word "emergency" is used in the Title to the Bill. The term "emergency" normally indicates something short-term. Is this a long-term pension levy? The Minister needs to let public servants know. Section 8 gives the Minister powers to exempt people. Will he exempt low paid public servants who will only qualify for the contributory old age pension when they retire from the levy?

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