Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I commend the Minister. I do not know him but I have always admired his competency. He has proven it today and with the measures that were taken in the first 100 days in Government, such as a reduction in the Taoiseach's salary to €200,000. He was right to acknowledge what the Secretaries General of Departments did because when good things are done, they are not often recognised.

I spoke on the Order of Business yesterday about the chief executive of the ESB, who earns €15,000 a week, and other organisations. We are an island nation with a population of 4 million. It is not acceptable in the current climate. The measures the Minister is taking and his response to the amendment tabled by Senator Byrne are very proactive and are what people expected and are getting. Let us hope a new frugality will prevail as we go forward.