The proposed auto-enrolment pension scheme is misguided and achieves nothing that could not be achieved by reforming the existing state pension scheme.
hen fully operational, it will be extracting a sum equal to 14pc of workers’ wages from the economy and handing it over to private pension providers to “mind” – a sum that could accumulate to €450bn. If prudently invested, the funds will be diversified to various markets and thus lost to the Irish economy.
The proposed scheme lacks probity as its very essence is to play into people’s lethargy in changing the status quo. We all know how difficult it is to cancel subscriptions. Young workers in particular can ill-afford this extraction of 6pc of their wages when many of them are trying to buy a home – a type of pension in its own right.
Their taxes are already paying for those retired or getting tax relief, so they are being hit on the double or more. It appears the media, trade unions and government have all succumbed to lobbying from those who will benefit most from this scheme – the private pension fund providers.
R Horgan, address with editor
No encouraging signs for UK under Tories or Labour
A sense of urgency is what is supposed to differentiate practitioners from the proclaimers or procrastinators.
It appears sleaze hasn’t exactly disappeared from the UK Tory party, with or without Boris Johnson in power. Our friends across the Irish Sea could do with a change of government, but one wonders if Keir Starmer’s crew is the answer – Labour’s front bench, with a few exceptions, appears inexperienced.
Things are looking a little bleak.
David Ryan, Co Meath
Admirable Harry’s royal revolution is not before time
I want to say how much I admire Prince Harry. He’s an admirable fellow and I’ve always had great time for him.
It’s about time a member of the UK’s royal family rocked the boat. He says he wants his family back, but not “an institution”.
I can fully understand that. It was obvious from the days of Princess Diana that “the Palace” was entirely under the thumb of the state.
It is time the royals were given a measure of independence to do their own thing.
English broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson should be hauled over the coals for what he said recently about Meghan Markle.
I don’t know much about her, but to speak in such a way about anyone is totally out of order.
Michael Walsh, Claremorris, Co Mayo
Dismissing all protesters as far right is a shocking response
As a nurse with nearly 30 years of service in the healthcare system, I wish to fully acknowledge the extraordinary contribution foreign workers have made to the functioning of our system.
Without the contribution of these workers, the healthcare system would be in a much poorer state.
The first responsibility of any politician elected by the people is to engage with genuine concerns that members of the public may have and to work in partnership in an attempt to implement policies to help solve these issues.
The Government and the Irish people have shown their eagerness to welcome huge numbers of asylum-seekers to Ireland over the past year.
However, due to the strain of providing shelter and other facilities to these vulnerable people, several protests have been taking place across the country in recent weeks.
The response of the Government to these protests is shocking – claiming the protesters are all far right is an attempt to shut down any genuine discussion or debate on the issue.
I acknowledge some far-right participants have been present at these protests. However, most are citizens who have genuine concerns regarding the increase in the number of people seeking asylum in Ireland.
The main issue is the sheer scale and the lack of engagement with communities by government departments.
E O’Hara, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Hard to put value on having extra player on a GAA team
The controversy over Kilmacud Crokes fielding 16 players at the end of the All-Ireland club final reminds me of a man who told me that some years ago he was making big money. Unfortunately, he said, he made it about a quarter-of-an-inch too big.
John Williams, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
