John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the motion. As has been pointed out on many occasions, there was a Labour Court recommendation in 2008. I do not know how many times I have heard the Government stand behind Labour Court recommendations, in particular when the recommendation does not suit the other side of the argument. On this occasion, the recommendation is for the CE supervisors and assistant supervisors but for ten years we have procrastinated on the issue. It affects new supervisors coming into the scheme, those who have retired and those about to retire. The recommendation clearly states it is desirable for all workers to have pensions, that this should be introduced for CE supervisors and assistant supervisors and that the scheme should be adequately funded by FÁS. It is in black and white. If one goes back as far as 2003, it has been Government policy for all employers to offer pensions. We are facing a cliff edge on pension payments in years to come and if employers do not stand up to their responsibilities, it is going to get worse. In this case, the State has to step up to its responsibility.

The services that are provided have been spoken of by many speakers. They are invaluable to the communities they serve. There are people in the Visitors Gallery from all over the country who have come here in the hope that we will do right by them and that this motion will at last address an issue that has been with us for over ten years. I plead with the Minister. Now is the time for action.

The time for talking is over. These people deserve what they are entitled to. As a State and as a Parliament, we should have the dignity to respect it.

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