Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I would welcome this House recognising in some way the sacrifices of the more than 55,000 Irish men who died for the freedom of small nations. Irrespective of the historical revisionism in regard to their contribution, the reality is that those involved at that time believed what they were doing was in the best interests of Ireland. That should not be forgotten.

In the context of all the discussion in regard to the Good Friday Agreement, if there are elites within various aspects of Irish society I have no doubt there are elites within the Croke Park agreement who are defending their own particular position. I agree that the Government should take note of this. I remind the House that the most vulnerable in our society should always be protected. I learned recently that the savings to be achieved from a cut in the old age pension would be of the order of €120 million.