Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

On that last point, practically all Members would support any move and nothing discriminatory should be permitted. As the Senator has remarked, people employed by local authorities rightfully earn pensions and councillors should not be treated differently for their long service.

Yesterday, I raised a question on staged payments to which the Leader inadvertently failed to respond. The point I wish to address is that the Government's legislative programme makes no mention of it. However, the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, stated in this House that he believed it was an anti-consumer measure. The Acting Leader, Senator Minihan, will remember this comment as he and I discussed the matter together at the time. Members were aware of the negative consequences for consumers, particularly the adverse impact on first-time buyers. The Minister of State promised the Government's own legislation within six months. This was in May 2004. I can find nothing on the matter in the Government's legislative programme and I would like to hear the Acting Leader's comments on it.

To return to the pensions issue, in general I agree with the points made by Senator Leyden apart from the question of the councillor's pensions. There is an enormous shortfall to be made up in this country and this is a serious issue that must be addressed. Perhaps the House could have a debate on the resources needed to address it.

In the light of recent developments, what is now Government policy in regard to the hiring of consultants? Can the Acting Leader sum it up succinctly for the House?