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.