Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senator Craughwell for raising his concerns on this. I will bring his concerns regarding how pension abatements should affect everybody across the board and the examples he has highlighted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. However, we believe the extension of the abatement to the public service, as provided for in the 2012 Act, was an appropriate measure, as I stated earlier. It represents a suitable and considered response to legitimate public concerns about the simultaneous payment of pension and salary in the public service. The Minister is satisfied that the abatement of public service pensions, which is what the Senator is talking about, as provided under the terms of section 52 of the 2012 Act is lawful, fair and necessary. However, I will bring the Senator's concerns about the issues raised to the Minister, Deputy Donohoe.