Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is not the first time retired ESB personnel are outside the gates. They are respectable people who earned their pensions and have been blaggarded and let down. The Ministers have been asked before to try to recognise the great service to the State the people concerned gave in all weather conditions. One of the most essential and important services we have is a fully functional ESB network throughout the country. The workers in question did everything they could on bad nights, Christmas Day and at odd times to make sure the lights were always on.

It is only right that their work be recognised by ensuring they get what they require, namely, fair play.

See this speech in context