Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I want the Deputy to understand that the Government does not in any way regard this as treating people with contempt. Each day I deal with people who are experiencing the same challenges as those being encountered by the individuals to whom the Deputy refers. I do not agree with his assertion that members of the media are asleep. I am of the opinion they are very much awake and vigilant, as is their responsibility.

In the context of where we are headed, I obviously want as many people as possible in the Deputy's constituency and all other constituencies to be removed from the live register. These individuals have the right to earn a decent living and to contribute to their pensions in the best way possible in order that the eventuality under discussion will not occur. People have been aware of this matter for some time. The Deputy will recall a time when the pension age was 70. I am not stating we should return to having such a pension age. We have reached agreement on this matter - as people are well aware - and we must resolve the difficulties and challenges the country faces in order that everyone can be guaranteed a decent future. People must be informed well in advance of the increased age limit in respect of pensions.

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