Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I thank the Minister for staying in the House for the entire debate. I ask him to take three points away with him for discussion in higher places. First, it would be worthwhile if every three months the Seanad carried out a similar assessment to that requested from other public bodies in regard to the progress made on the programme for Government. On the basis of what the Minister has said, I think he would welcome that. Second, legislation in areas such as geothermal energy and foreshore development will be crucial to the development of energy independence and renewable energy.

I have no axe to grind on my third point because it does not affect me but I have carefully read the proposals on pensions for Ministers and other Members. Under the current regime, somebody who came into politics at the age of 25 and spent 30 years as a Deputy or a Minister would be effectively unemployable. Under the programme for Government, that person would not be entitled to a pension until he or she turns 65. Such a situation will never affect me but it is wrong and it will keep people out of politics. Some of these decisions are being taken without sufficient thought. It is a small point which will never affect me and I make it for that reason. The people who are advising the Government need to think about this issue.

I thank the Minister for his attention during the course of this debate. I wish the programme for Government well. This was an important debate in terms of allowing us to raise issues. I presume we will continue to engage with the programme as it is implemented.