Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to acknowledge the large attendance in the Visitors Gallery. People have travelled with great enthusiasm to hear the debate on what is an important and significant issue, as we saw with the turnout in the AV room last week. I acknowledge Deputies Willie O'Dea and Mary Butler, who have pursued this and brought the debate to the House today.

The community employment schemes are very important to so many communities around the country. We see the fruits of their work in community amenities, sports facilities, Tidy Towns, childcare facilities and so many other ways. They are delivering not just an income but dignity and a pathway towards work. A huge part of this is the work of supervisors and assistant supervisors, who are very important in regard to the success of the schemes.

In 2008 the Labour Court made the decision and we should not have to be here today pursuing it. In the meantime, 250 people have retired without a pension and the remaining 1,250 cannot be left watching this drag on. The proposed Government amendment suggests even more dragging on. That should not continue. A decision has already been made by the Labour Court and we need a clear road map to the pension for these very important people.

Ní féidir rudaí a fhágaint mar atá siad. Tá an cinneadh déanta cheana féin ag an Labour Court le cúpla bliain anuas agus tá gá le brú ar aghaidh chun an pinsin a chur ar fáil i gcomhair na daoine seo atá ag obair chomh gníomhach ar son na pobail, tríd na tíre. Go raibh maith agat.

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