Mr. Adrian Kane:

I thank the committee again for the invitation and the engagement that we have had with all of the members. I also appreciate Deputy Canney’s attendance here. We have a serious situation in particular with regard to a significant differential on rates of pay for people who are doing very similar work. We have outlined a path forward as to how that can be resolved.

There is also the bigger issue across the entire sector where, for most people, there has been no pay increase for the past 14 years. This really needs a whole-of-government response. I have spoken about the EU directive on collective-bargaining, of coming to the table and of how we find a way of funding the community sector where people have reasonable terms and conditions of employment. People do not want to become public servants. The fear I know is there with every official I meet is that if he or she opens the door that claims will start coming through, etc. We can create safeguards for the State where we do not want to become public servants but we want to be paid decently, to have security of tenure and to have decent pensions.

I do not think that is too much to ask for in this day and age.