Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

This is the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill. The net issues are that the Bill has been introduced as an emergency measure and the priority is the public interest. The Bill does not meet either criterion. While I understand Deputy Fleming's rationale for moving his amendments - he made a reasoned and well argued case - given that the pay level at which his proposed measure is pitched is too high, Sinn Féin will not be in a position to support them. Notwithstanding that, I appreciate the gist of his argument.

The purpose of my amendments is to address pay levels. The Minister and Taoiseach earn too much.

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