Gerald Nash (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am glad that the Minister took the opportunity to clarify and confirm that a Christmas bonus would be paid this year. Experience from 2010 and 2011 tells us that it cannot always be assured. I understand the Minister may not be able to impart an answer to the committee today, which I understand in the context of the pre-budget discussions that she will be having with ministerial colleagues. Has she decided the rate at which the bonus will be paid this year, now that she has confirmed that it will be paid? I accept that she understands how important it is. I understand and assure her that I understand how important it is, through direct personal experience. I was a little confused by the vagueness of the language used in the Minister's contribution yesterday. Two journalists contacted me yesterday evening about references made to the Christmas bonus in the Minister's submission. She may or may not accept that the language used is vague, that it allows people to draw certain conclusions that she tells that me cannot be drawn, but I am glad that she has clarified that the Christmas bonus will be paid. That will be reassuring to the 1.2 million people who will depend on it to lighten the load this Christmas. If the Minister has an issue with how the headline is written - I do not write them, nor does she - I am sure she can contact the editor or the journalist concerned to have that argument with him or her. She has known me for long enough to know that I do not pursue cheap headlines. I am a legislator who takes his policy responsibilities very seriously.