Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I understood from his comments at the teachers' union conferences that he was conscious that allowances are part of the core pay of teachers. It is my understanding that teachers' allowances are considered part of the core pay under the Croke Park agreement.

The Croke Park agreement has delivered benefits. As Fianna Fáil was part of the Government that negotiated that agreement, I consider it important that it continues to work and bring further benefits in the delivery of services to the public and in better management of the public service. I ask the Minister, therefore, to state clearly that the Croke Park agreement will not be reneged upon.

It is often forgotten by the public, although not by the Minister, that there needs to be an incentive for people to engage in ongoing professional development. There must be an incentive and a reward for that.

See this speech in context