Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. The latter part of the Minister's reply dealt with my specific question of why we are not proceeding with this matter under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011, Second Stage of which has been already passed by this House. That legislation is already before the Houses and could complete its passage through the Houses quickly. I accept that the Minister wishes to deal with this issue separately as a result of the referendum and that he will shortly publish the relevant legislation. Which legislation does the Minister expect will first complete its passage through the Houses? Which is a priority for the Minister?

The single scheme pensions Bill only affects new entrants and will not result in any cost savings for 40 years. Given that there is currently a moratorium in place this is not the most urgent legislation. While we support early passage of that legislation the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011 deals with current salary rates. Perhaps the Minister will set out the expected timescale for passage of the new Bill and will comment briefly on the reason the relevant provision is contained in it and if that was the correct way to go about this.

See this speech in context