Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I accept the Minister's point. I believe it is the first time the Garda roster has changed in 40 years. To put it bluntly, why has it taken so long to achieve something that everybody would want to make happen?

The Minister's point, which I accept, is that 3,000 people have moved across the health service to fill jobs. Many people would say that should happen anyway. If there is a vacancy and somebody in a job is able to fill it, then the person should fill the vacancy.

The Minister has also made this point many times, and last week he criticised the slow rate of change. Who is accountable for the length of time it takes to make changes? Who is not getting paid an increment or not getting a promotion in the different sections because of the slow pace of change? I am supportive of the Croke Park agreement and it is the way to handle staff. The most decisive characteristic of the economic lives of the people who pay our wages has been involuntary change - the involuntary loss of jobs and wages. Many in the public sector are doing a great job but they labour under a voluntary agreement. I think the Minister may share my views on the rate of change. Will he comment on the factors that contribute to the slow pace of change?