Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As an Independent Deputy, I endorse the contributions made by Deputies Clare Daly and Timmy Dooley on the two issues that are prominent in correspondence I receive in my office, one of which is the anti-competitive nature of the operations of some non-EU and non-USA carriers which could jeopardise having a fair and level playing field in the conditions that operate and obtain. There is no doubt but that some airlines from outside the European Union and the USA are subvented by extremely wealthy individuals and groups in countries in which there are low wages and the presence of such a competitor would severely undermine the principles of fair competition for existing carriers. I ask the Minister to take this into consideration.

The other matter concerns pensions. It is appalling that the people who in good faith took up employment during the years and placed their trust in the term, "trustees of pension funds", now find themselves facing massive differentials between active and deferred pensioners despite having served many years with their employer. It is patently wrong that the law seems to allow for these differentials and the Minister must do whatever it takes to deal with the matter. He should apply the standards of fairness and openness. Otherwise, the area of pensions will becomes like a black whole - a voodoo land. This is not right in a society in which fairness is valued by all citizens.

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