Seanad debates

Thursday, 26 February 2004

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed).

 

3:00 pm

Photo of John Paul PhelanJohn Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I support Senator O'Toole. He has spoken very eloquently about these two amendments. They go to the nub of the Bill, which is obviously about increasing the age at which one is entitled to a pension. The Bill reflects the attitude that one size fits all. Having been a teacher for a while, I note that this approach will not work in all circumstances. Senator O'Toole has outlined how exceptions can arise in respect of teachers and politicians, in this House and elsewhere.

There is an attitude in the Bill that smacks of, "I'm all right, Jack. We will forget about the guys who are going to come after us." I look forward to being in the House for as long as possible, but we all know there is no certainty regarding how long any politician will be involved in politics. It is not acceptable for those currently involved in politics to close the door behind them.

I have grave difficulty with the part of the Bill under discussion. It has not been thought out correctly and it certainly does not demonstrate forward planning. It deals a great blow to the effort to get people involved in politics or teaching. I support Senator O'Toole's amendments.

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