Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I do not know if the points raised by Senator Brian Hayes are correct but there is a ring of truth about them and there is certainly much worry in this instance. If people are to be penalised for saving, it will be the second own goal of this fortnight. It would be appalling. We need clarification on this issue. I hope Senator Brian Hayes is wrong because if it is the case, it brings into disrepute the whole savings culture and will be grist to the mill of those who say spend today and forget about tomorrow. It will also work against the approach to pensions outlined yesterday in the Dáil by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. We need urgent clarification on this issue.

Growing up we learned much about selling and buying. If one was to bring something to fair day, sell it at a rock bottom price, see it back on the market half an hour later without even having to feed it and buyers queuing up to buy it, one would not be let out again for two years until one had copped on and learned a few things. That is what has happened at Aer Lingus.