Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

When we raised the matter with the Minister by way of a parliamentary question, the longest paragraph in the reply stated: "I should point out that, before the end of this month, I will introduce the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011." The Minister spelt it out. The Minister tries to give the impression when we talk about obscene payments for new Secretaries General that he is doing something about it and refers to this scheme which, as we are aware, will not have a financial effect for 40 years. The spinners in the Minister's Department have done well to confuse the public. Most people believe this legislation will do something else because a reference is placed in the answer about an unconnected matter.

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