Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too thank the Minister for his efforts and honesty in admitting the figure was 5% and that the savings achieved did not come to the €75 million ingrained among the public, leaving egg on everyone's face when only €2.5 million or €3 million was saved. The Taoiseach said he was writing to all line Ministers asking them to come up with savings. Like Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, I do not want another cent to be taken from lower paid workers. I am also concerned about new entrants being penalised, particularly in their starting pay. Pension entitlements are a different matter, as we have seen some exorbitant pensions being paid to senior civil servants and former politicians, which is morally wrong.

I am glad the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, is with the Minister. With reference to a contribution I made earlier today, the Minister of State denied a cohort of well paid and cosseted individuals close to the centre of power had escaped the pension levy under the watch of the previous Government. The Minister should inform his colleague of the truth of this. It was appalling and sent the wrong message to every public servant and everybody else. The people concerned are still getting away with it. It is the people close to power who are protecting themselves who must be targeted.

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