Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I am also relieved to hear the Taoiseach's hint to the effect that the old age pension will not be cut. There are many other deserving groups in society which have similar hopes they will not be unfairly targeted in the coming weeks. Senator O'Toole is right to stress the bona fides at the heart of the public sector and the concerns of workers in the public sector. Like him, I would like it to go out loud and clear that nobody wants to target the public sector unfairly or hit out at the good work that so many in that sector are doing. However, if we are serious about protecting the interests of the most vulnerable, particularly older people in the context of the old age pension, other groups such as carers and those looked after by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, we must wonder at the wisdom and propriety of strike action. If we fracture unity by going out on strike - even if we have a legitimate grievance - the more vulnerable sectors will lose out. They will suffer because others are more vocal and influential. That is why I very much regret there is to be strike action next week. I said several months ago that there will have to be an accounting in the future whereby those who make a disproportionate sacrifice now for the sake of the unity we need in dealing with our crisis are acknowledged and somehow recompensed. However, the planned protest action is not the way to go.

I am concerned at the recent report and comments by the Ombudsman for Children, Ms Emily Logan. While we may aspire to treat the children of the nation equally, it is disgraceful that we do not treat the children of other nations with any dignity when they come to our shores and are dependent on us. It is appalling to think of the neglect that takes place, with children being looked after by security personnel during the day. That is no way to treat minors in our society, whether Irish natives or otherwise.