Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

At the end of the day, we have to stop being afraid of what the people will think.

We saw recently that members of An Garda Síochána got a miserable settlement to bring them somewhat close to where they should be. What did they do then? Two days later, they came out and said a garda is worth €100,000 per year. This has to stop. We should stop pandering to the popular media and start dealing with things in a real, rational way. I appreciate what the Minister is trying to do with the Social Welfare Bill and I am 100% behind him on that. It is an awful pity he cannot extend it to wipe out this nonsense completely.

As Senator Landy said regarding the councillors, it is outrageous that we are not going to convert contributions into a contributory old age pension for all those who have paid the 4% and are over 66 years of age. If that is not done for them, they should be given back the money. The State has stolen the money from them by taking 4% of their salary on the pretence that it was for social insurance. They are not to be given social cover when over 66 and they are not going to be given their money back. That is thievery of the worst sort. Let us play the game straight. I really believe the Minister should re-examine the issue of entitlement to a contributory old age pension for men and women who served this country for many years in their local authorities. I do not make any apology to the public for saying that. I thank the Minister for his time and courtesy.