Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not think anybody here would disagree. The profession is essential, but the actions of both Houses of the Oireachtas and several Departments, including the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, are exerting more and more pressure on it every year. There has to be recognition of that fact. I would not wish anybody to think the committee does not acknowledge the critical work done, while we would also not want to devalue other professions by having long service increments or such things. They are provided for in other professions, but there is no uniform approach to public service pay, which is one of the biggest issues we have. Judging by the looks I have just got, I am assuming everybody is in agreement with me.