Cowen ‘did not want to extend’ pensions debate

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has said he did not wish to see the ministerial pension debate extend beyond serving members of the Oireachtas.

He said the controversy – which has seen all but three current Oireachtas politicians surrender their former-ministers’ pension – concerned TDs and senators.

And, when asked about sitting MEPs still claiming Dáil and ministerial pensions, he said he did not want to extend the debate.

“The issue that has arisen specifically recently has been Oireachtas members and people are coming to their own conclusions in relation to that and making their own decisions ... I think the issue that arose was specific to those of us who enjoy public office and I don’t want to take it beyond that at this point,” he said.

He said the question of politician’s pensions would be dealt with as part of a review by the minister for finance.

Yesterday, Fianna Fáil MEP Liam Aylward gave up his ministerial pension. This was worth €12,261 annually.

A statement said he had written to Finance Minister Brian Lenihan to waive his right to the pension while he remained a member of the European Parliament.

However, this did not extend to the additional pension he is entitled to claim because of his 27 years as a deputy in the Dáil.

Pat the Cope Gallagher has said he will consider his ministerial and TD pension position this weekend.

Last year Dublin MEPs Gay Mitchell and Prionsias de Rossa gave up all Oireachtas pension entitlements. Sligo-based MEP Marian Harkin also surrendered her TD and teacher’s pension worth of a combined €3,500 a month.