Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The Government took an official legal position. We have responded to the serious problems facing this country at this time. We have responded consistently and pragmatically in the interests of the common good. We have taken strong decisions in the interests of not just the current generation but future generations and we expect the Opposition will support those decisions. We have been consistently derided and decried about this situation. It is outrageous that we have this hypocritical situation today where we have to discuss this matter when this Government, led by the Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, and an outstanding Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, took a decision that for all future elections, subsequent to the next election, people standing for office will know the rules of engagement going into that election and that from there on in no pensions will be paid to outgoing Ministers. Those decisions have been taken in the interests of ensuring there is transparency, fairness and equity across the country.

I came into politics in 1982. I did not ask to come into this business, rather I was asked on eight occasions to enter politics. I refused to do so on those eight occasions but I gave in on the ninth occasion. I served on a local authority for six years. I never claimed as much as 1 cent while I was a member of that authority representing my county as mayor and as chairman of the county council at the time.

I regard this as outrageously hypocritical. I get a mere net pension of €167 per week and I cannot afford to give it up. However, in the interests of there being equity in this House, and standing in solidarity with my colleagues and with the people of Ireland and having regard to the great generosity of members of the Opposition, who have decided to donate their pensions to various bodies and organisations, I, too, am prepared to allocate my pension to various voluntary bodies and charitable organisations.

See this speech in context