Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is not a question of challenging it, but a question of having lawful legislation. I am not saying the situation is the same as pertained in 1992 or any other time. The same legal principles apply because a similar approach was taken then on the question of the abolition of pensions in respect of the legislation passed last year. The Minister for Finance outlined that position in detail. It is not a question of any party being reluctant to introduce legislation, but about having to address this matter in a legal and lawful way.

I have made, and continue to make, the point that one cannot abolish property rights. One then has to have a proportionate reduction in payments, which we have done. There has been a reduction of 25%, as people will know. If people wish to gift or make a further contribution based on the current situation, that is a matter for each individual to consider and reflect upon, and they should be given that opportunity. We have been very anxious to ensure that discretion is applied to every individual.

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