Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

In recent times, I have tabled a series of parliamentary questions to give exposure to the payment of vast sums of money, in some cases, to a small number of senior civil and public servants. It strikes me not only that we can ill afford such amounts of money, but also that we are setting a bad example by making such payments. It sends a bad message to the many people in this country who are suffering because they cannot pay their mortgages or meet the cost of living. When I attended the launch of the Disability Federation of Ireland's pre-budget submission in the Mansion House earlier today, I noticed there was fear on the faces of many people who are concerned about whether services will be provided to them in the future. I appreciate that the Minister and the Government inherited some of the arrangements governing the bad practices of the past from the previous Administration. I am concerned about the bad message that has been transmitted on foot of some of the recent exposures in the media, as well as the cost of these payments to the Exchequer in the current climate.

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