Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

If I can close my remarks there might be an opportunity to discuss it.

Deputy Burton raised a number of important points. The position relating to former Taoisigh is unique. One currently serves in the House and there are another four who have retired from the House. The position of a former Taoiseach is unique and a former Taoiseach has always been paid a full pension with no reduction. In that sense there is consistency, despite Deputy O'Donnell's suggestion that there was inconsistency in the treatment of different individuals. There is a 25% reduction for everybody, whether a former Taoiseach or a former Minister.

The age limit of 55 was reduced to 50 in 2001. I have not looked at that issue afresh, although Deputy Burton suggests we should do so. I take into account what she said about the expenses regime. I would welcome her comments on top-level salaries as there are issues to address in that regard. I have told the review group to complete its work with the greatest possible speed.

In the old scheme there was no age limit. In the new scheme it was 55 from 1993 to 2001. After 2001 it was 50 and since 2004 it has been 65, a point to which Deputy Barrett drew attention. It does not affect the position of a widow, for whom no age limit applies, but it could affect Members who gave long service but lost their seats in their 50s.

Deputy Morgan made a point about legal challenges. Governments have to act on the advice of the Attorney General. A lot of legal opinions are expressed nowadays but at all stages before and since the budget the advice of the Attorney General has been consistent and he has always maintained that issues would arise from the implementation of any decision to abolish pensions or increments. We acted within the legal constraints that applied to us.

See this speech in context