Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

A large proportion of the general public supports the glib lines of the motion before the House. The payment of ministerial pensions to serving Members of either House of the Oireachtas has attracted the interest of many people. It is generally viewed as unfair that Members who receive salaries should receive ministerial pensions at the same time. It is perceived to be unsatisfactory. There has been a mixed bag of criticism from certain individuals. Broad and sweeping statements, such as "slash the pension", "give it up", "it is well for you politicians" and "generous payments and top-ups", are usually made. The political play tonight does nothing to refute such misinformation.

Most Senators are aware that the last few years of economic and financial turbulence have left a volcanic ash cloud over the country. The changed economic landscape has led to testing financial times for everyone, especially those involved in business and industry. We are in testing and challenging times. Most people are in survival mode. Others are on a downright scary rollercoaster. This has led to a new guillotine level of public anger and cynicism about politicians. I say "guillotine" deliberately because the agenda that seems to have been set involves throwing the issue out there, muddying the waters, throwing enough shit so that some will stick, fuelling it with misinformation, going for the jugular, guillotining it and executing it. As far as most people are concerned, the matter has been dealt with in that way. Can I ask when we will debate the consequences of that? If one tries to correct the ill-conceived public perception, the glib line one hears in response is "then why did you agree to it?" or "why is that position not explained?". In the short time available to me this evening, it is not possible to address all the consequences.

We should not act in a foolhardy manner by supporting Fine Gael's cheap-shot motion. If we support the motion, we cannot expect to escape the broader consequences across the board. The possibilities in respect of the broader consequences are considerable. Solutions can be realised and implemented only when one has gathered enough information to make an informed and balanced decision and to understand the consequences. In the current climate, there are many variables and matters of opinion. The fundamental issue is the recovery plan to address the national economic and budgetary challenges. The various aspects of the rescue package that is being implemented by this Fianna Fáil-led Government prove we are facing up to the massive scale of this country's problems. Some of these aspects were outlined in the Minister of State's response. The Government has taken the necessary action on the basis of informed briefing. It has been balanced rather than reactionary. Courageous decisions have been taken to solve our problems. Therefore, it is with regret that I am not able to support the motion. I have to wrap up because the amount of time available to me is limited.