Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I expect people to abide by a negotiated collective agreement that has been accepted by a majority. This is how normal negotiations and trade unions operate. I want to continue through negotiation, agreement and public sector votes. If any particular union has a difficulty with this, my officials are there to go through this as we work our way out of a dreadful crisis to better times. Public sector workers have made a significant contribution, which I have acknowledged repeatedly, but they have also maintained their jobs. Some 250,000 private sector workers lost theirs. We are trying to create a platform to return everyone to work, have quality public services and restore fully - some of the Deputies opposite do not want this - any cut that was made to pay during the course of the dreadful economic crash. This Bill is the first instalment in that. It was negotiated and agreed by the public sector committee of congress and I am implementing what was solemnly agreed.