Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

No increase in pensions has been approved by the CIÉ board since 2008. The whole point I am trying to make is that this could also be brought in under this Bill. These are people who have not had a pension increase. They are in the Ceann Comhairle's constituency and in my constituency. Since 2008, for 16 years, despite repeated requests and representations the majority of CIÉ pensioners who are members of the 1951 scheme have no other income and do not qualify for the State pension because as public servants they paid class D1. They did not have a choice when they joined CIÉ - it was the only option.

Since 2008, the consumer price index has increased by 20.8%. The State pension has increased by 24% before adding the living alone allowance and the fuel allowance. Since 2016, CIÉ salaries for active staff have increased by approximately 30% while the increase for pensioners has been nil. That is the point I am trying to make. While this Bill is very important and we support it, other improvements need to be made. People in their elderly years need more respect but this is not being afforded to them. I listed a few of the issues there. Community employment workers are coming to me looking to see whether they can continue their work. They have been refused this. Local community and voluntary groups are desperate to keep these workers on board but they cannot do so. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State could look into these issues as well.

Women's pensions constitute a hugely important issue. Many women in retirement come to us. They have worked hard all their lives but have been left without a pension, which is very unfair. While this Bill is going in the right direction and we support it, other areas like women's pensions should be looked at. These women have worked hard and deserve this but have been refused this little bit of extra pension or even a pension at all, or much of their pension is based on their husbands' income. This has to stop. These women deserve respect but, unfortunately, they are not afforded it. These issues need serious attention. I am very concerned about a lot of women who worked very hard and got zero pension in some cases, which is not good enough for a State that prides itself in looking after its elderly. It certainly has not looked after some women who have come to me down through the years. I have found that they have been left wide open regarding any kind of pension. One cannot base a woman's pension on her husband's salary or pension. That has to stop.

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