Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Yesterday there was a call for a discussion on Aer Rianta and it is appropriate that should take place now that the heat is gone out of the situation. It is a pity the father of the House, my colleague, Senator Ross, is not present to recognise that industrial relations structures sorted out the difficulties yesterday and we are moving on. It would be appropriate to have a discussion on Aer Rianta and the Minister's transport policy at a time when people are not under serious pressure. The Fine Gael spokesperson was unable to take up a position on the matter in the absence of the information the unions seek. That is all people are looking for.

I asked prior to Christmas for a debate on the proposals on new pension arrangements for the public service, including politicians. I would be interested in the views of Government Members who have a difficulty with the idea of jobs for life and a Government policy, which will have people working until they are 80 or 90 years as long as they stagger in every morning with their Zimmer frames. It would be appropriate to examine this issue before we take the Finance Bill. The INTO is dealing with the issue from the point of view of teachers and we should examine it from the point of view of politicians. This relates to other issues such as attracting people into politics and providing promotional prospects to workers. The issue should be discussed in a non-party way. I would appreciate it if a debate could be held on the public service pension proposals before we are tied into the Finance Bill, which is currently being dreamed up in a corner of the Department of Finance, which has never been our friend.