Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Have we learned anything? I am aware of the L'Oréal principle - it is because they are worth it - but does the Minister really think these people in sharp suits are worth €500,000 a year each? I am outraged that the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform between them would literally turn their backs on any learning we might have had from the time when the boom got boomier, as it is getting now, notwithstanding a really serious infrastructural deficit, whether it be a matter of fixing rural roads, to which the previous speaker referred, or the really awful housing and health crises. People are stretched to understand why this Government cannot perform in housing or health. What is it that bankers do that merits more than €500,000 a year? I can think of many people who do really valuable work but they would not dream of putting their hands out for half that figure. Has there been a period of reflection in the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform on learnings from the crash? I am shocked, as I think almost everyone in the country will be. It is heartbreaking to hear the Department say this.