Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

It is hard to answer that question. At the end of the day, the Deputy knows full well that is not the situation. With all due respect, I do not have the time to get into the complexities of why we are experiencing economic difficulties.

It is important to say that the views expressed are my personal views, some of which have been reflected by people outside and within this House. In my view we need public sector reform. Those within the public sector agree we need that reform and are more than happy to work towards achieving it. Arising from the OECD recommendations, we will be taking action, unpalatable or otherwise.

Deputy Penrose will agree that there are those within the public sector who are wrongly vilified and who do not get the support they need for the work they do. We need to take a balanced approach to this issue. As I stated earlier, it is about taking people along, working with them and showing the political leadership to allow that to happen. That is the format on which this will done.

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