Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has stated in his reply that negotiations are ongoing but the truth is that negotiations are going nowhere. I do not know how people in this House would react if we were faced with a proposal to freeze our pensions until 2023 and, in addition, that further restrictions would be introduced.

I will put some specific questions to the Minister and I would like specific answers. He referred to the trustees as being part of the package but is he aware that an independent analysis of the CIÉ pension schemes last year concluded the role of the trustees in the schemes is marginalised and they can be amended without the input of trustees? There is no other scheme where a similar position applies in either the public or private sector. Is the Minister also aware that for the first time in history, there is no functioning pension committee, as all the members have resigned? Is he aware the same individual, whom I will not name, holds the dual role as head of group public relations with responsibility for pensions and the CIÉ board's lead negotiator; in other words, there is a clear conflict of responsibility?

Will the Minister order an independent investigation into what is happening there? Will he direct the board to answer a number of legitimate questions put to him on behalf of the 10,000 active members of the CIÉ pensions schemes? Will he request the board to for heaven's sake resort to the usual practice in CIÉ and fund an independent legal opinion for the benefit of the people who are trying to represent these pensioners?

See this speech in context