Seanad debates
Tuesday, 27 February 2018
Public Service Superannuation (Amendment) Bill 2018: Second Stage
2:30 pm
David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source
At the age of nearly 75, 55 looks pretty young to me. For a responsible position such as Garda Commissioner, not many people under 55 would apply. One would need that degree of experience. A large number of commentators have suggested that it would be a very good thing to have someone from outside the jurisdiction take up the role. As such, I am very happy to support the legislation, which rectifies a technical anomaly, as the Minister said.
I want to raise something else because this legislation deals with the terms and conditions of work of civil servants. I would like the Minister to take back to Cabinet my view, which I think is widely supported in the House, notwithstanding that people are reluctant to say it in public because of voter reaction. There are 111 civil servants in Leinster House who get more than we get as Senators. That is a pretty astonishing situation. Approximately half a dozen of them at least get three times what we get. During the financial emergency, the long-service increment was removed. I cannot think of another job where one does not get a long-service increment. Certainly, everyone around here gets it, including the secretaries. What is wrong with us? Why are we so utterly mealy-mouthed?
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