Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Is it the Government's position that, in future, the setting of ministerial pay will be a matter for the social partners or will it continue to be a decision by the Government and an order of the House? If the latter remains to be the case, it is up to the Ministers to decide not to take it. It is not up to Mr. David Begg, Mr. Turlough O'Sullivan or anyone else sitting around the table, as it is not their role. It is up to the Ministers to show leadership and say that they will not take the increases because the economy could not take it and to do so would be inappropriate.

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