Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The active members have been bullied into an inferior pension scheme under the new order. The Tánaiste indicated to interested parties and stakeholders that she was working with them to bring about a fairer resolution to the scheme. Did the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, consult with the Tánaiste or did she know he was about to sign the commencement order on Monday night? My colleague, Senator Darragh O’Brien has been fighting this for a long time and had, with others, tabled amendments to the Social Welfare Bill that could have rectified the situation. It seems to be a choreographed operation by the Government. On the following day, the EGM was scheduled for December, when shareholders will be asked to vote through these cuts to the pensions. Will the Government use its 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus to vote through the cuts? Is it fair to the pensioners and deferred pensioners concerned? It is not too late to intervene. The Taoiseach could revoke the commencement order and work with the stakeholders to ensure a fairer outcome to the situation than the extraordinary and very draconian cuts that have been imposed on pensions to which, up to recently, people felt they were entitled. What is the Taoiseach’s position on it? What will the Government do at the AGM? Will it move between now and January to revoke the situation and work towards a better solution?

See this speech in context