James Bannon (Fine Gael)

With a median age ten years below that of Europe, the population of the Republic is not ageing as quickly as that of neighbouring states. However, our time will come and our citizens will be forced to protest as others have done before them.

While recognising that it is necessary to provide for the expected 50% increase in the number of pensioners in approximately 30 years, the first requirement is to ensure a minimum standard for all in retirement. It is patently obvious that this Bill follows a trend in Government activity. The less well off and the most vulnerable are not its concern. This Bill is finance driven and is yet another money grabbing, income slashing move by the Minister for Finance. When the budget for 2004 was announced, I referred to this Minister as one who would go down in the records as "Charlie the Slasher".