Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will not speak at the end if that makes it any easier. I thank the Minister for coming to the House to address it about many points, including those on Committee Stage. I echo the sentiments expressed by Senator Higgins about pension reform. I hope that after Christmas, the Minister will really drive the bus concerning pension reform. He has made flippant comments such as there will be winners and losers. I do not think these comments are helpful. The Minister must look at the current situation. There are losers and we have seen that women have been the losers when we look at the gender pension gap. I would like the Minister to take a proper look at that because it is something I will definitely push. I do not think it is good enough to just say that there will be winners and losers.

I also wish to raise the Independent News and Media pension scheme. Last week, the Minister sought legal advice from the Attorney General regarding intervening in the High Court dispute, yet this week when he had an opportunity to implement legislation, he failed to do so. Why has he not taken Senator Higgins's amendment on board? I also ask him to support a Bill that will be tabled by Deputy Willie O'Dea in the new year that will put into effect the amendment moved by Senator Higgins. Will the Minister give a commitment to this House that he will support that Bill because this matter needs to be dealt with urgently? Many defined benefit pension schemes may be closed in the coming weeks knowing that this is still allowable. We urgently need to look at this situation.