Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, who said in his speech that we have all experienced the excellence and dedication of the public service. I have been in the public service. Half my adult life was spent working in public administration. I started my employment as a post office clerk and worked up the ranks until I became Assistant Principal in the Department of Finance. I must say, in all of my years in public administration I came across people who were genuinely patriotic, who had a genuine concern about their country, who work hard and who are not paid princely sums. That needs to be said. Many public servants are deeply offended at the commentary about them and the work they do.

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