Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 19 Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business this afternoon. The opening contribution was from Senator Ardagh on the INM defined pension scheme. All of us are united on the need to take a common approach to the issue and the events that have occurred, which left many of us aghast. The reality is that it is a private pension scheme and the Minister has no direct role in it but he has asked the Attorney General for advice. He has also met with the chairperson of the Pensions Authority on defined benefit schemes. What is disappointing is that even if action can be taken, it cannot have retrospective effect, which is a worry.The standard model that some people have been speaking about does not necessarily do what one wants it to do. Having spoken to the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and his departmental officials, I know they are anxious to try to do something. It is a matter of whether or not it can be done.

I am sorry Senator Higgins is no longer here and am disappointed she has left the Chamber. She raised a matter on the Order of Business and, to be fair, she should be here like other Senators who raised matters. The amendment was not ruled out of order by the Leader. It was ruled out of order because it was not in order and the Senator was given the reason. It was not a decision taken by the Leader.