Higgins: I can't hand pension back because of court order

MEP Jim Higgins has clarified his position as regards his Ministerial and Dáil pension.

The issue of MEP’s pensions has been the topic of much debate over the past few weeks with three MEPs currently still claiming theirs.

Socialist Joe Higgins has said he donates his pension to other causes including making donations to workers who go on strike.

Fianna Fáil MEP Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher has yet to make a decision on whether to hand his back or not.

And speaking in Strasbourg at the European Parliament today Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins said he is not in a position to hand his pension back.

Mr Higgins said: "I simply do not have that option by virtue of the fact that all of my pensions are the subject of a circuit court order and I am not at liberty to discuss that further.

"It is a matter that has been decided in relation to a family law matter."