Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

All right. Why did the Minister not move to make a uniform arrangement? Also, why did the Minister not return to the qualifying age of 55? It is essential to have transitional arrangements. I know from experience that losing a seat is a traumatic event. Many Members nowadays are full-time politicians, although there are Members who have businesses and other commitments and other sources of income. However, many Members do not. The transitional arrangements are generous and last for a period from 18 months to two years. Why, therefore, does the Minister not return to the qualifying age of 55 for pensions. What was the thinking behind the move to age 50?

See this speech in context