I support Senator O'Donnell's call for a debate on a review of sentencing so that we might have a fair approach. It causes a great deal of hurt and pain when questionable sentences are handed down.

Last Friday, I was delighted to be present for the awarding of an honorary doctorate to European Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn at NUIG in recognition of her public service, particularly in her current Commission role over research and innovation in which she is widely regarded as having done well. However, I was gobsmacked by the report in today's Irish Independent that, on retirement and without meaning to cast slight on the Commissioner, she will be due a pension of more than €3,000 per week under current rules.

What?

It is an immoral amount of money for any individual.

Some €3,000 per week.

Under our recently released policy document, one pension should be enough for anyone. I call for a debate on pensions, particularly public service ones. What is fair and reasonable? Pensions are a time bomb, but €3,000 per week would make for many travel passes.

The same Commissioner has advised the Taoiseach to move swiftly to lobby hard for a high-value Commission portfolio. I agree. I call on the Taoiseach to be confident and to bat hard for a high-value portfolio, particularly an economic one. Ireland has earned its spot. We saved the EU's banking system. I will throw another name in the ring for the role, one not previously mentioned. He has credibility in Europe.

The Senator is way over time.

It is the Minister, Deputy Noonan.