Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have huge sympathy for the families living in the fire trap building, and I support much of what I have heard Senator Hayden say here. Who could afford to pay €18,000 per unit to make the apartments liveable in? I want the Leader to address my next question in his reply. What action will the Government take so that innocent homeowners are not the victims of shoddy below-standard work that puts the health, safety and lives of these families at risk? How did the work escape the attention of Dublin City Council? What regulations did the council have in place? Liability must fall in the right place, and it certainly should not fall into the lap of the homeowners, who are innocent victims.

I wish to raise the issue of public service pensions. Is there any chance that we could have the Minister for Finance in the House before the budget to discuss the matter? I know there are only a few days left, and perhaps only a day. Gabh mo leithscéal; there is also next week. It has come to my attention that there is discriminatory treatment of public service pensioners when compared with public service workers. I understand that pay is being restored to workers who earn up to €105,000, whereas pensions above €34,000 are not being fully restored. One must have a little bit of sympathy for pensioners because their income is limited and finite, plus their working days are over in terms of what they can earn. I do not believe there should be unfair treatment between workers and pensioners, because pensioners have given their service to the country.

I wonder if others are aware of an anomaly with regard to the universal social charge that has been brought to my attention by people at the doors. I refer to retired public servants, including postmasters, teachers, nurses and guards. All of their pension moneys are liable for USC at the rates laid down in the budget, whereas that is not the case for those in receipt of non-contributory pensions. These are the people who contributed. Why?

To sum up, are we likely to have an opportunity to have a debate with the Minister on pensions? Will the two anomalies that I have pointed out here be dealt with? I refer to the removal of unfair treatment for public service pensioners. Will these matters be addressed in the budget?