Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

The Minister appointed a review body on higher remuneration in the public sector to look at the salary scales of higher paid public servants. The body recommended an 8-12% cut in salary for higher paid public servants. It did this on the basis of their basic salary, but did not take their bonus into account. The Minister announced the budget on 9 December and brought in the Finance Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009 on 15 December. In both cases, he basically stated that he would implement the recommendations of the review body. What change took place between 18 December, when the Bill went through the Seanad, and 23 December, when the circular was issued?

The Taoiseach stated that we cannot undermine the budget, while the reversing of budgetary decisions made two months ago is not an option. The decision to have an equitable system where the recommendations of the review body would be implemented was taken on 9 December. The Minister reversed that decision under the darkness of Christmas on 23 December via the circular. Furthermore, he will rely on section 6 of the Act, which states that exceptional circumstances will apply. When he spoke in the Dáil on 15 December, he stated that it was intended to exercise this power sparingly, and only when just and equitable. Does the Minister regard this as just and equitable? Why did the Minister not take on board the recommendations of the review body? Will the Minister explain what happened between Friday, 18 December, when this was put through based on the recommendation of the review body and Wednesday, 23 December, when the circular was issued? Surely this undermines the budget.

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