Hi all,
Apologies for the delay in getting back to since Wednesday.
Firstly just to say well done to everyone involved in this campaign, the result of the vote and the campaign were hugely significant I think. It’s a tribute to you all that all of the opposition TDs supported the Bill; this is very unusual . Equally significant is the fact that the Government parties did not , technically, oppose the bill and in his speech the Minister effectively accepted the need for the measures.
The amendment to delay it is a step Governments with a majority rarely take; they didn’t want to be seen to oppose it and I think that is down to the efforts of all of you in lobbying and contacting local TDs etc.
What I intend to do is to contact the Minister responsible ( Leo Varadkar) immediately and seek information on what consultation process is being set up, the time frame for it and the access to it of the groups that represent retired workers.
I think you have created a very powerful and united lobby that can force the Government to accept some form of legislation on this issue in the coming period.
It was a honour to work alongside everyone on this.
I attach the links to the debate and the final votes for your information
The Dail will break for the summer in two weeks, but I would suggest that we try to organise a zoom conference call in September to see what if any progress has been made on the consultation process and see generally if the groups wish to continue campaigning on the issues?
Let me know what you think of that suggestion.
Regards and many thanks for your campaigning on the Bill.
Regards
Brid.