Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I utterly reject that. Last night I had in my hand an offer which a person working in a financial institution received. The offer was a retirement of 33 sixtieths at 50 years of age. I will fight to the death the prevailing attitude that the public sector pension, which is good, is somehow above what is available in the private sector. I can produce a list of jobs at all levels in the private sector which have far better deals. It does not apply in all cases and building workers recently argued that point. However, it is unacceptable for somebody to decide not to do something for nurses, teachers, gardaí and civil servants because it would disadvantage the private sector. We all know people working in banks and other places who have far better deals.

We are not creating disadvantage for anybody. I am not asking for anything extra. There are many cases in private industry where people are encouraged to go to work in other parts the private sector. If they wish to return and a position is available, they will be given it. They do not return with rights but they have the same pension entitlement. However, that will not happen in the public service and the Civil Service. If a teacher leaves a position, tries to add something to the economic growth of this country in another venture but it does not work out and he or she wants to return to the service, he or she is utterly disadvantaged. That is wrong and is contrary to everything we are trying to do to grow the economy and in terms of flexibility. This is a belt and braces means of imprisoning people in positions.