Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

It has been suggested that this legislation will serve to increase inequalities in the public service, while the opposite is the truth. I refer Members to, for example, examples 7 to 9 from the supporting documentation provided with the budget, which shows clearly that the percentage change in net income since the budget of 2008 and not just this budget ranges from 5% to 31% at the top level, with quite a sharp increase once one gets above €35,000. Consequently, it is highly progressive.

I again wish to raise the point that was taken up by none of the Members opposite, namely, whether it is fair or equitable to treat part-time workers more favourably simply because they have a lower absolute level of income. In certain cases, one can be a part-time worker in more than one employment. Is it fair to treat them more favourably than full-time workers? I believe this will create an entire range of new-----

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