Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator Healy Eames in welcoming the fact that the Government is to introduce legislation to reduce some of the exorbitant pensions paid to retired Oireachtas Members and public servants. I hope the figure will be higher than the reported one of 5%.

Those who were involved in the negotiation of the new public service agreement are to be complimented on their efforts to ensure those who are on higher earnings and are in a position to take most of the pain will do so. That, however, is only part of the picture.

The Government must now turn its attention to other people who are paid out of the public purse and who provide services to Government. I am talking about legal and financial advisers, providers of various outsourced services and people in the semi-State sector who are not covered by the Croke Park agreement. Employees of RTE, contractors and others on very high earnings will be untouched by the Croke Park ll deal. Until the public sees that everyone is making a contribution to the national recovery, we cannot say there is fairness across the board.