Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Darragh O'Brien for the points made. In the time in which I have been privileged to be in this role, I have spent a huge amount of time going through the legislation and understanding its impact. I am keenly aware, as is the Senator, of the consequences the measure will have on people dependent on the pension fund or who are working at the moment, and I am very much aware of the interest and concern people have about the resolution of this matter. I am also aware that we have a fund that has a deficit of just under €750 million. Senator Darragh O'Brien is aware that the issue has been exceptionally protracted and complicated. Many people have tried to resolve it over many years. Through legislation, I am trying to introduce a legal framework so that, if resolution is achieved, the resolution will have legal standing in a legal framework. I use this opportunity to urge everyone involved to reach resolution.

With regard to the changes proposed to this Bill, I ask for a degree of consistency in evaluating amendments. Points were made in the Dáil and the Seanad by colleagues about the Bill and we have done what we can to strengthen it. Where possible, we reflected the points made. That does not mean that the original Bill was flawed or is being handled in a different way. I am conscious of the fact that legislation in the area is not examined as frequently as road traffic legislation. I will put in place a framework so that if resolution is reached with regard to a fund with a deficit of €750 million, the agreement will have legal certainty. That is the objective behind the section of the Bill and I am aware of the concerns and interests people have. I am looking to put in place a framework so that we will be able to bring legal certainty and finality if any agreement is reached.