Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator O'Brien, as leader of the Opposition, again raised the question of pensions. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, dealt comprehensively with several items in that regard in this House and the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, will attend in coming weeks. When we discuss pensions we should also consider the profits of pension companies and the fees they charge. A programme on pensions was broadcast recently on RTE. While I accept that two thirds of pension funds are in deficit, the programme also highlighted the fees pension companies charge their customers, which should also be examined.

I understand the Attorney General is fully supportive of the Government's constitutional amendment proposals. Senators O'Brien, Conway, Ó Murchú, Mullen, Leyden, O'Donovan and others spoke about both referendum proposals and there were criticisms of the Referendum Commission. People have looked for comprehensive debates on the matter. We had a four-hour debate on this item on 22 September. I do not know whether it is that Members were not prepared in their contributions at the time-----