Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, stated the cuts did not apply to the NTMA but that the pension levy did, yet the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Pat Carey, stated: "The rule of thumb will be that if one is affected by the pension levy, the reduction to the rates of pay will also apply." This is a complete contradiction. Once again, clarification is required. The Ministers of State are either making it up on the hoof, do not know exactly what they are doing or are doing a couple of solo runs.

I refer the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, to section 1(g)(ii), which states-----

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