John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

The Fine Gael Party opposes section 11 of the Bill because of the overlap with section 10. I note from some of the amendments tabled that there is widespread agreement among all Senators that the position of politicians is different from all public servants. I am conscious of Senator O'Toole's remarks and am thinking of myself and other Senators. I am 25 and 65 is a long way off but I hope to see it. This provision does not apply to me because I am here. It smacks of a self-serving attitude that would ignore the future generation of politicians. It is difficult to get people involved and legislation such as this will deter new people from becoming involved and will not be good for the future of politics. Senator O'Toole gave the example of the Tánaiste who came into politics in this House after graduation and has remained in politics ever since. She is unusual in that she has stayed so long in politics. If she were to leave politics now she would receive offers of other non-political positions.

Many who have been involved in politics have left because the electorate did not want them here any more and have ended up in unfortunate positions. Senator O'Toole said that the pension policy in other areas has not come about by accident and certainly it has not in politics, which is very different. There are many teachers speaking on this Bill but politics includes people from all walks of life. I agree with, and welcome, Senator Mansergh's comments that politicians who do not have other businesses or fortunes to fall back on if they leave politics should be looked after. Most people involved in politics do not have any great wealth on which to lean if their situation changes.

I laugh every year when I receive the Standards in Public Offices Commission document to complete with questions such as how much property or land I own, or in how many companies I hold a directorship, and what other incomes I have because I have none. It is funny but serious too, if in less than five years time the people of Kilkenny or the councillors of the country, or whoever will elect the Seanad at that stage, decide that they do not want me here. It is a long way to 65 for me and others in my position.