Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

Nothing here needs fixing because so few people are involved. Senator Cullinane is giving the impression to those among the general public who do not have these pensions that everyone in the public sector will be on such pensions. We need to show that people are on a fair pension. I agree that the pensions of some in the private sector have been wiped out and a great deal of work must be done in that area. However, the State is an employer and has responsibilities as well.

The public anger on pensions rose to the extent that people assumed that I had a pension at the age of 33 years after being in the Dáil for four years. That shows how ludicrous it was. Since there was so much emphasis on the small amount of people with high pensions people almost accepted anything put before them. A rumour spread about me to the effect that I would have a pension. I heard it said that it was terrible because I was only in the Houses for a few years but because I was in Fianna Fáil I would get a pension. This was totally false and incorrect. The pensions of everyone in the Chamber will kick in at 65 years if, God be good to us, we are still alive then.

This amendment is a flag being waved by Sinn Féin that will have no practical effect. It will simply create a sense in the public that everyone is being wronged and that other people are on these high pensions when, in fact, they are not.