Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I presume the question then relates to the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. The body was established almost 40 years ago and is an independent entity that has the primary function of advising the Government on these matters. Deputy Gilmore will be aware of this as in his trade union days relativity was used regarding people in the review body and senior trade union representatives. This most recent report covered the Civil Service, local authorities, health boards, non-commercial State bodies, An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, hospital consultants, members of the Judiciary and political office holders. Some 95% of the report related to the various grades while 5% related to political office holders, although one would not have thought so given the events of recent days.

The pay review that took place for senior positions is the first since 2000 and I note that the report suggests a reversion to a four year gap between reviews. I think this is correct because the longer one allows to pass between reviews, the greater increases that would be small for the majority of people can seem. I leave myself out of this because I accept that I have received a huge pay increase.

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