Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for tabling the amendments under discussion and responding to amendment No. 30 in my name. The salaries and pensions of senior employees in the public service and excluded bodies is a topical issue at present. The first line of the statement I issued yesterday welcomed the Minister's announcement. I am pleased that action is being taken. This matter was referred to when Mr. Brian Lenihan introduced last December's budget. I am pleased that the proposals made at that time are now being implemented. We are going much further down the road at this stage. As the amendments before the House relate strictly to high pay levels, the Minister has an opportunity to clarify the decision he has made with regard to the ESB.

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