Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I do not fully understand that. Does the Minister of State mean that if they had different arrangements, other than a Civil Service pension, these will be honoured by the taxpayer? If that is the case, the taxpayer is being exposed to future liabilities and would it not be desirable to know whether such special arrangements exist? I thought the State would be taking over these schemes and that those concerned would receive benefits that were in line with what the Civil Service provides, namely, half one's salary and one and a half times one's pay as a lump sum after 40 years' service. A number of weeks ago, Senator Twomey asked an important question about seven-year contracts. The Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, said he would get back to him. What is the position in respect of people in some parts of the public service who get three times their final salary as a lump sum? Will similar situations arise in the case of people on seven-year contracts? If this legislation is providing that the taxpayer will have to make payments to people on seven-year contracts that are equivalent to three times their annual salaries, it will have to be examined more closely. I am not happy with the answer the Minister of State has given. We need information on this matter.