Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Shortall and I will raise her points with the Minister. On a point of clarification, there are rules in all pension schemes relating to what she mentioned, and of that she will be aware. In regard to her specific point on people who have passed away and lost out financially, I have been informed that is one of the items which is currently under mediation. It is to be hoped the matter will be resolved through the mediation process. I hope that addresses some of her concerns. I do not want to engage in an in-depth discussion. I am not part of the mediation process. As I have said many times, I hope we can come to a fair and just resolution through the mediation service. As I indicated, a case is scheduled for 13 January. My heart goes out to the people affected.

I come from the private sector and know the importance of pension schemes. People who have worked all of their lives in the private sector know the danger of losing one's pension. Many of us in the private sector have seen our pension schemes disappear in front of our eyes. I take the same approach as Deputy Shortall. As I said, the issue is being dealt with through mediation and we have a court date. It is to be hoped this can be resolved by then. I again thank the Deputy for her contribution and will take her concerns to the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection.

See this speech in context