Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Although I am not generally in favour of government by Twitter, I was glad to read what Senator Boyle had to say about the possibility of cutting the State pension. It is hard to believe the debate has taken this turn when we consider the worry such a vague comment could cause to our older citizens. I do not think the Minister meant to cause such anxiety, but it is important, because of the contribution of our older citizens to society, that we are given clarification that a cut is not coming down the tracks.

I support the comments of Senator Ross about whistleblower legislation. At the Council of Europe recently I had the pleasure of meeting John Devitt from Transparency International, along with Eugene McErlean. It seems clear that a piecemeal approach, in which there is some measure of protection for whistleblowers in certain areas, is not the way to go. There needs to be a clear standard. I am not sure I like the term "whistleblower" and I know Senator Keaveney also has concerns about the word. We should be thinking, rather, about public interest defender legislation. We do need such regulation. We have seen where light-touch regulation has taken this country and it has not been pretty. Let us have the legislation. It is a pity the Director of Public Prosecutions rather than the Houses is leading the debate. We have the collective calibre to make the necessary proposals. It would be good to have a listening ear from the Government and some measure of activity in terms of addressing this problem, which is long overdue.

With regard to the protest that took place last Tuesday, I understand perfectly what Senator Leyden said and I commend him on saying it. He understands the bona fides of the individual involved but remains critical of the loose use of language and concerned about where it might lead.