Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome what the Minister is saying and I know every effort is being made to help pensioners who worked in public service. I refer, however, to semi-State bodies like the ESB and others whose pensioners are really caught in a bind. It is important that we look at that and assist these people. The Minister says it is left to each line Department or entity to deal with the issue but there is a case for the Government to consider it and see what it can do. Coming up to the budget, I know there will be hundreds of demands but we must look after the people who looked after us and worked for the State in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. We must make sure they have an income that will match the cost of living and allow them to live comfortably. It is our duty to do that.

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