Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The long-term pensions framework will deal with a wide range of issues, including retirement age and future provision. Some of the measures will not kick in for a couple of years because people first need to be prepared. I do not intend to hold off for three years or more.

Deputy Shortall asked a question on existing pensioners. While they will retain their existing payments, any future increases they may have been expecting will be paid only after workers, including deferred workers, have been looked after.

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