Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

The vast majority of public sector workers earn nothing like the salaries to which the Deputy is referring, as he knows. Only a relatively small number of people earn big salaries in the public service. The first thing I did when I became Minister was reduce them considerably, by up to 30% and 40% in some instances. This is important but it is not the most important factor. It does not save a huge amount of money because the numbers involved are relatively small in the overall expenditure picture. What is much more important is that we continue to deliver services that people want in the areas of health and education and deliver social services in a way that is meaningful for people. People see waste and services delivered badly. They, including those delivering services on the ground, want services to be delivered better. This is what reform is about. It is a daunting and difficult task that probably will not be completed in one term of government but I am determined to put a structure in place with the plan to drive change that will be visible on the ground to people who are dependent on services.

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