Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 19, to delete lines 1 to 8.

The stated purpose of this scheme is to have a universal system for new entrants, in which there is merit. It makes administrative sense and there is a sense of equity, if one gets the scheme right, in a single scheme. However, the amendment seeks to delete the subsection under which special provision for Members of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament is made. I would like struck from the Bill the notion that somebody who has been elected to the Oireachtas or European Parliament at some stage would not, should he or she re-enter as an elected representative, be subject to the new scheme but rather would enjoy the old scheme. I believe this flies in the face of the logic of having a single unified pension scheme. It marks the differential between elected Members, be it to the Oireachtas or European Parliament, which I do not believe is fair.

I appreciate that we regularly interview for our jobs. Some of us have had the experience of not cutting the mustard in particular interviews and of all the challenges of political life. However, we opt for that. I do not believe that a fair argument has been made as to why we should be treated differently. It would be far better and in our interests as elected public officials to be treated equally and to be seen to be treated equally. Amendment No. 6 seeks to strike that particular subsection from the legislation.

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