Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach has spoken about the affordability and effectiveness of the public service, but I am sure he will agree that the real measure of successful reform within the public sector is the experience of citizens seeking to access public services. Citizens should have the right to access public services. They should have the right to access to education and health services. However, because of the policies of this and the previous Government, they do not have that right. It is not present as a fundamental entitlement and core value of the State. Given the austerity programme, of which he is now part, and the promise or threat of further cuts of €4 billion, does the Taoiseach accept that the situation can only get worse? Does he accept that it would be far better for the Government to face up to the major burden placed on citizens, rather than continuing with the shredding of public services?

The Taoiseach has stated social partnership will not continue in the way it has. An mbeidh sé ag cur próiséis eile ina áit? An mbeidh an Dáil ábalta eolas a fháil ón Taoiseach anseo sa Teach faoin bpróiséas sin?

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