Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Yesterday, the Tánaiste spoke about the forthcoming pay round and social partnership agreement. He spoke for many when he urged the need for greater productivity increases and pay restraint. Will he apply these principles to the activities of his Government? The Government recently increased the number of Ministers of State by three, increased the number of Oireachtas committees by three and an order is soon to be made whereby Ministers will receive huge increases in pay without regard to performance or productivity, including the Tánaiste, who will be due €38,000 if he is then Taoiseach. Does the Tánaiste intend to withdraw the order to provide for increases for Ministers and other members of Government and apply the lessons to his——

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