Cullinane will not draw down gratuity allowance until he reaches pensionable age
Wednesday, 27th July 2011
Statement from Senator David Cullinane, Sinn Fein: "I was recently made aware that following my election to the Seanad I am entitled to a retirement gratuity payment of over €23,000 from Waterford City Council. The payment was to be made when I reach the age of 50. I want to categorically state my opposition to these form of payments. They are of a different era and were never justified. I am not against councillors getting paid or indeed receiving a retirement payment.
"However these payments should only be made when politicians reach the state retirement age. They should also not receive the payment when in receipt of a generous salary and allowance. I will not be accepting the payment until I retire and I will not accept the payment if at the time of payment I am still employed by the state. We must show leadership on these issues. At a time when SNA's are being cut, hospital services are being curtailed and working people are being pushed to the pin of their collar it is morally wrong for such payments to be made. The Government must show leadership also and properly reform the issue of pay and expenses to politicians."
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