Workers’ Party Councillor Ted Tynan said that the revelation that former government ministers had received over
€4 million in pensions last year while some of them continue to receive other payments from the state should spark public
outrage, especially from those who are suffering the brunt of cutbacks.
Cllr. Tynan said that despite holding a referendum on judges pay last year the state was continuing to pay enormous
sums of money to former ministers and other office holders, many of whom are already incredibly wealthy.
“On a daily basis”, said Cllr Tynan, “I am contacted
by citizens who are suffering real hardship and misery as a result of cutbacks. One
of the most glaring examples is the recent cut in the hours of Home Helps. This
is a heartless decision which seriously erodes the quality of life of those dependent on the Home Help service. News of these
ministerial pensions can only add insult to their injury”.
Cllr. Tynan said that with a further €1 billion to be paid out to AIB bondholders next Monday it was an utter
affront to the Irish people that many of those who presided over the collapse of the economy and the banking bailout are still
receiving golden handshakes and bloated pensions.
“In addition to the obscene payments to the likes of Bertie Ahern and Mary Harney we also have huge sums of money
being paid out to a number of extremely wealthy former ministers such as Michael McDowell and John Bruton. Worst of all we have a convicted tax evader Ray Burke receiving a ministerial pension of over €1,000
a week. It is time to call a halt to this squalid circus.”, said
Cllr. Tynan.
Issued 29th September 2012