Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will use my time to address that, given the impact on members of the force. They have been pretty firm in reminding those members of Sinn Féin as well of their lasting impact and legacy on the Defence Forces.

Whatever the need in the past, the circumstances have now changed and, as a new TD, I want to address the FEMPI legislation. It is something that many teachers spoke to me about during the course of the campaign and since I have been elected as well. The Government has dipped into the pockets of serving and retired public servants and imposed discriminatory cuts to pay and pension. No other group was targeted in such a shameful and discriminatory fashion.

The average public sector pension is approximately €20,000 per annum. This amount is not excessive. Nor is this amount highlighted in any debate on public sector pensions, and these pensions are subject to income tax and USC charges. Pensions form part of the employment contract that the workers signed and as one retired worker said to me, he would expect a sovereign government to honour its agreements and contracts.

I agree with what Deputy Thomas Byrne, my party's education spokesperson, and Deputy Jack Chambers said on the timely unwinding of FEMPI and about the need to ensure that those at the lower scale, not those at the upper scale, benefit the most. I would press the Minister and the Minister of State to indicate that timeframe so those listening to the debate can know when they will see a rise in their incomes and a tangible benefit.

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