Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to seek an amendment to the Order of Business. I know that there are Labour Members opposite who have engaged with retired members of the airport scheme and who are also disgusted at what has happened. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, needs to explain to this House the reason he saw fit to sign two commencement orders yesterday evening.

As the House is not overly burdened with work today, I propose the following amendment to the Order of Business: "That, following statements on Horizon 2020, the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, come to this House to explain the reason he saw fit to sign the commencement orders that have given rise to massive reductions in pension benefits for IAS scheme members." It would be necessary to provide only for a half hour debate with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, being given 15 minutes to make a statement and the leaders of the different groups being given time to respond. I ask that the Minister come to this House today to make that statement rather than go into hiding between now and the taking of Committee Stage of the Social Welfare Bill.

Also, this has happened in the week when it has been confirmed that €1.1 billion of the €21 billion given to AIB was transferred to its pension scheme.