Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

I watched the events of last week and the Government did a good job of stage managing the collapse of the talks with public sector unions. Was the so-called revolt by Fianna Fáil backbench Deputies over the proposal for unpaid leave a real revolt? Did it not suit the Taoiseach? Did the Taoiseach support the unpaid leave proposal and, if so, what action did he take to persuade his backbench Deputies and party of its viability?

Does the Taoiseach believe the events of last week, specifically the revolt of Fianna Fáil backbenchers and the breakdown of the talks with public service unions, have undermined and compromised his position? Is it not hypocritical of those who revolted to sign up to extreme cuts in the social welfare payments made to the most vulnerable in society to avoid having any deal or arrangement with the public service unions?

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