Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

On behalf of the Labour Party, I say we do not accept these items. We were informed the Government is preparing amendments to the emergency measures Bill which will decrease the deduction for the highest paid civil servants in the public service, bringing their deduction levels down while at the same time the Bill will provide for Ministers of State to get a 2% advantage. I understand the Government is considering that and there may be an amendment before the House which we have not seen. We are being asked to discuss a Bill which will contain important amendments and have had no advice from the Minister-----

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