Seanad to push through pension levy bill

The Seanad is to hold a rare Friday sitting today to push through emergency legislation to introduce the public service pension levy.

President Mary McAleese is expected to be asked to sign the controversial measure into law before Sunday.

Last Saturday more than 120,000 people representing several public sector unions staged one of the biggest public demonstrations ever seen in Dublin to oppose the pension levy.

The Government hopes the measure will reduce €1.4bn from the public sector pay bill in 2009.

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill (2009) passed all legislative stages in the Dáil on Wednesday.

The Seanad will convene at 9am today and begin debating the legislation at 10am.

Fianna Fáil senators will be hoping business will be concluded in time to attend the opening of the party’s ard fheis in the Citywest Hotel this evening.

Seanad leader Donie Cassidy may propose an Early Signature Motion to ensure the president signs the Bill as soon as possible.

Usually, the head of state has up to seven days to sign legislation after it is received at Aras an Uachtarain.

The salary-based pension levy will be calculated on gross pay and will mean a 3% contribution for workers on €15,000 per annum up to a maximum 9.6% for staff earning €300,000.