Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Bríd Smith for bringing forward the Bill. Like other Deputies, I have received many representations over the year regarding pensions and pension entitlements. The core issue for retired workers relates to where significant changes are made to the pensions of retired workers but those workers are unable to influence, and find it difficult to participate in, the decisions that affect them. I support the proposal to strengthen the rights of workers who have retired and their organisations and to provide that they be consulted when there are proposed changes to the scheme that will affect their lives. It is entirely reasonable to ask that organisations working on behalf of workers be permitted to take cases to the WRC, and that the period in which those cases can be taken will be extended to six months after a dispute has arisen rather than six months after the worker has retired. It is important that workers be part and parcel of pension schemes and that retired workers be encouraged and supported to become members of the boards of trustees.

I will finish with the words of Michael, who emailed me yesterday. His email struck a chord with me when I read it this morning. He wrote that he would like the Government to consider taking a decision and not to wait 12 months for the Bill to be voted on, given that retired workers cannot be represented by trade unions. He stated that such people do not have much time in their tanks and that while a further 12 months may seem a short time to some, it is a long time for retired folks. He went on to state that because they all still have votes, they can make a difference at the ballot box and may choose to vote for those who will protect their rights and not take them away. Obviously, Michael has on many occasions watched proceedings in the House and has recently seen the Government's tactic of accepting a proposal, letting it pass and claiming it agrees with it while, at the same time, kicking the can down the road.

Maybe they are thinking that the Government might not be here in 12 months either. Let us agree today to support these people who get up every morning of their working lives and who pay their dues. They are only looking for fairness and for a voice at the table when decisions are made about them and for them.

See this speech in context