Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I welcome his indication that there has been a considerable degree of consultation with staff representatives, particularly in view of the initial reaction by the teacher unions when the proposal emerged. We all agree there must be a comprehensive single scheme for the public service, but has the Minister considered all the implications of a switch from linking pensions to inflation as opposed to salary increases? In recent years, for example, inflation has risen while salaries in the public service have decreased. In that situation, linking to inflation would mean those in receipt of pensions would be entitled to increases while those continuing in service would suffer reductions. I intend to table amendments on Committee Stage of the Bill to provide for a hybrid scheme which would balance these two positions. Over a period of 40 years the balance may swing from one side to the other. Instead of coming down on one side, there must be a middle ground in the legislation.

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