Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

Does the Taoiseach accept that much of the resentment arising from the Estimates and the budget is focused on the perception within the public service, which I consider to be supported by the facts, that the top levels of the Civil Service were able to look after themselves whereas this was not the case down the line? Does he accept that the reason cuts were avoided at the top level may have been because those involved have an influence in the final decisions that were made? This resentment is not simply felt by civil servants but also by the public. As for the top levels of the Civil Service, does he perceive a further problem regarding the position of Secretaries General? I refer to a supposed policy whereby they are meant to retire after seven years. However, this policy is not being adhered to and in many instances, they are staying on in the public service. Moreover, they are staying on at the same level of salary and no matter what their position, their salaries continue to be paid at Secretary General level.

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