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

The Minister has said that if he had not signed the order the whole scheme would have been in trouble. However, he should not sign something at the expense of one group of workers whose pensions have been cut by 40% to 50%. That is bad policy and sets a bad precedent. I am glad the Minister is meting the deferred members and I hope he comes up with some solution. Surely money can be found somewhere to fill that gap. The Minister has said the Government is tight on funds and he has basically said it is up to the company - the trustees - to deal with it. This was originally a State company, and on that basis, surely the State has some responsibility.

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