Mark Dearey (Green Party)

I welcome Mr. Boucher's forgoing of his pension top-up and his decision to work beyond the age of 55. Senator Hannigan is right to recognise that it is an example of some leadership, albeit belated. At the same time, however, the door is still open in terms of how these types of bonuses may be given in the future. For that reason I reiterate Senator Boyle's call the other day to the effect that these pension pots be taxed. This is necessary and we need to build in some type of fiscal certitude in the future which will dissuade people from creating what is essentially a public scandal. This has been a scandal and people have been deeply angered. I described myself the other day as having been hit by an almost life-sapping experience when I heard the news last week. I believed this could not be happening at a worse time in terms of the public service pay deal and so on. I hope this change of heart will breathe some life into the prospect of that initiative getting over the line. I sincerely hope so for the sake of the country and for the restoration of good order in the public finances. I repeat that it is essential that pension pots should be taxed.

I assure Senator O'Toole that the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill, that seeks to restore the good name of the sector which has suffered in the UK and international press because of the misdeeds of a few, is well on course to go through.