Mr. Andy Pike:

We met the Minister. We would meet the Minister through routine engagements - we have not met specifically on this issue – but each time we have met her since she was appointed she has told us she would like to see this issue resolved and she wants to be as helpful as she can be and I believe that is a genuine commitment she is making. However, it is not within the gift of the Minister for Education and Youth to determine policy on public sector pay and pensions. That responsibility rests elsewhere. When I say there has been no engagement I am in no way being critical of the current Minister nor of the Department because it is not up to them.