Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator very much. I have said that if we are to play and beat the banks at their own game, we must possibly take our business elsewhere. I suggest to the Seanad we start with the post office and credit unions. As a Senator, I cannot accept that the Government is unable to do anything about the pensions of the great, the good and the Gods. Why are we part of a Government that is unable to do anything? It seems to be a massive contradiction, as the purpose of a government is always to do the right thing and bring about the right type of action. There was plenty that could be done to the ordinary worker, such as the introduction of the universal social charge at the stroke of a pen. I suggest the Government should introduce the solidarity social conscience claw-back, SSCCB, or a moral duty. If we cannot do anything, we should not be part of the Government. Banks are what they are because they get what they want from people and use it as they wish. Are we to say that the Government should have the same privilege?

Senator John Whelan is entirely right in saying that if the cap fits, we should wear it. There are unctuous payments and handshakes for incompetence. Obscene payments, whatever the job, organisation or quarter, must be challenged, particularly when made outside the retirement age. I would like the Minister for Finance to come to the House to explain exactly how we will act, especially if we are to call ourselves part of the Government or Members of the Upper House.