Madam, - I wish to expand briefly on one element of Fintan O'Toole's column about gender inequality and pensions (Opinion, March 4th).
There is an entire "lost generation" of Irish workers who are caught in the PRSI trap. These women - and they are predominantly women - worked with their husbands on farms and in small businesses for years.
Through no fault of their own, on retirement, they realised that they had not paid any PRSI stamps towards their own pensions; and so, despite working all their lives, they did not receive a contributory pension.
This, after a lifetime of work. This, having pulled the country through the wreckage that was Ireland in the 1970s. This, having listened to Mr Charles "GUBU" Haughey lecture them on personal expenditure. And this, having supported and educated the Celtic tiger cubs who went on to change this country.
Thankfully, the loophole is now closed, but for many, it is too late. I implore - nay, dare our politicians - to compensate these forgotten Irish citizens.
Oh, but, of course! This isn't a sexy issue. These workers are old and impoverished, most of them on the breadline, too tired and broken to challenge the State. So what does it matter?
Gender is never an issue. Unless you're a woman. - Is mise,
BREEGE BRENNAN,
Ardmore Lawn,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.