Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Again, the actual introduction of legislation that would give any group statutory rights of representation before the State's industrial tribunals or in industrial relations matters is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and consequently, I have no function in that regard. However, as I stated, I am happy to meet the retired pensioners' association whenever issues arise regarding matters that might have an impact on their income. On the other point made by the Deputy in respect of property rights, it is something I have repeated often in this Chamber when people call on me to abate arbitrarily pensions and I believe the Government has done this as far as it safely can go constitutionally. I will seek to restore those as the FEMPI provisions are unwound in an orderly way that is sustainable for the economy of the State.

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