Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Government has made the decision to implement this forthwith. No money has been provided in the Estimates for the matter, so I expect a Supplementary Estimate will be needed. Otherwise, how are we to have a proper and informed debate on the issue? Is the Taoiseach saying a decision such as this should not be debated in the Oireachtas? We need clarity because €16 million has been incurred by the State with the first instalment made and no report seems to have been made to the Dáil in any shape or form. The House should debate this important issue and decide to postpone it until matching changes which will deliver service at the frontline are made and that it is yielding value for money.

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