Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Many people around the country have bought houses, including members of the Civil Service, but there was a bubble in housing. The bonus in 2001 was performance related but there was no performance. It was easy in the market that existed to claim that people could spend as much money as they wanted to spend but we now see that the cupboard is bare and nobody is taking responsibility.

That is what has happened with this Government. Nobody is taking responsibility. Once again, the leadership and the people who matter decide the sacrifices are to be made by the little people. There is an anger among the lower grade civil servants. I can feel it. The Government has caught the mood completely wrong. What it is doing is wrong, and this measure should be reversed immediately.

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