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

This is the new politics. Instead of Government saying that it will vote something down, it simply says that it will get back to it. That is the difference. The Social Welfare Bill 2017 introduced by the current Minister, Deputy Regina Doherty, originally included some provisions relating to defined benefit pension schemes. These were removed on the basis that they would be put back in again on Committee Stage in substantially the same form. That is something which I do not understand.

Is the Minister of State aware of the plight of 1,200 Irish Life workers? Is he aware of the fact that there are many rumours to the effect that other companies, particularly in the insurance sector, will follow suit if Irish Life gets away with this? Does he envisage that the legislation the Government is proposing, Committee Stage of which is to be taken 31 May, will be in place in time to save the situation? Even if it is in place before 30 June, will it be strong enough to do so?

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