Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, Dr. Rowland. Ba mhaith liomsa mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le gach duine a tháinig anseo inniu. Beidh an coiste ag scríobh tuarascáil maidir le gach rud a bhí le rá sa choiste agus na moltaí atá curtha os ár gcomhair inniu agus ag na cruinnithe eile. Beimid ag plé leo go príobháideach agus ag scríobh na tuarascála sin.

I thank everybody for coming here today and for their extremely valuable contributions. I am not allowed to put down a motion without giving three days notice, but I would like to wish the unions and, indeed, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform the very best of luck this week as the talks start, pursuant to the clause in the public pay agreement on newly-qualified workers, which includes teachers but not solely teachers. From what members of this committee have said, I do not believe anybody disagrees with the proposal that teachers and, indeed, all public sector workers should be on identical pay scales and that pay scale equality should be brought in. We certainly hope there is a positive outcome. I believe I am expressing the view of the committee - looking around there is no dissent - that we support the talks this week and we wish and expect them to reach a successful conclusion.

It is proposed to go into private session to deal with a number of housekeeping matters. I thank the witnesses again.