Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

3 o’clock

For the Government to take these amendments together and not accept any Opposition amendments is disappointing. It is one of the reasons I am opposing section 34. I support Deputy Clare Daly in respect of amendment No. 4. In the interest of pensioners and deferred pensioners, I ask that a scheme with no negative impact on the pensioners be put in place. Pensions have already been cut severely, some by €40, and we reckon another €40 will be cut. The future of these people's pensions is crucial because some have been contributing for ten, 20, 30 or 40 years. Deferred members seem to suffer disproportionately and the contributions from the DAA and Aer Lingus do not seem enough. The Minister said that this is all that is on offer, but it is not enough. There is great uncertainty for many people. I am still waiting for answers from the Minister. A deferred member's pension could be cut by 50%. Can the Minister clarify whether this could happen? Some people are in receipt of a pension and many others will come into that position. People in this situation come to my constituency office. The Minister listened to me outlining one case and said such a scenario could happen. If it could happen, it would be a terrible blow to anyone. They could lose €25,000, or half of their pension pot. Some of these people have mortgages and others have bills to pay. They are in receipt of a very small pension. A woman who came in to talk to me about her husband was roaring crying. Members are in receipt of pensions and we know we will receive a certain amount for each term of office. If that were to be reduced, there would be uproar. It is unacceptable that Aer Lingus workers must face this.

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