Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

While many points have been touched on, there are several issues I wish to raise. This is emergency legislation which normally means it should be a short-term measure. Public sector workers see the Government willing to give €3.5 billion to the two main banks, €7 billion in total, with no specific repayment date but an open-ended arrangement. The pension levy scheme which appears to be unfair and imbalanced is also open-ended. Public servants also believe they are paying for the banks' mistakes and the imprudent management of the public finances. Amendment No. 47 tabled by Fine Gael proposes that the levy scheme be revoked in three years. I would like the Minister for Finance to take that time limit on board.

We are looking at a national strike, the first in many years.

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