Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The distinction between the agreement and the body's implementation role is good. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated, "The level of co-operation and engagement between the employers, the Government bodies and trade unions is excellent." This is a good phrase for some, but it is a worrying one for others. He also described the engagement as "exemplary". People outside will interpret this as being too cosy. When I hear of two bodies on different sides of a table describe their relations as "excellent" and exemplary, that creates the perception among the 1.5 million people outside the public service that perhaps the relationship is too cosy and the agreement is not being driven hard enough.