Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

The Deputy can shout me down if she wishes. I regard that level of salary as high. That is the reason the Government set it as a ceiling for the Taoiseach. Ministers are paid less than that. In net terms, the Taoiseach earns 44% less than a Taoiseach did in 2008 and Ministers are earning 40% less. They are still on a handsome salary; there is no doubt about that. However, we should acknowledge what has been done. Deputy McDonald acknowledges nothing, except herself. She does not remember her party's past and is only interested in the sins of others. In truth, we have a reform agenda which we are delivering on. A report independently validated shows the progress made. The Deputy should for once have the good grace to acknowledge the hundreds of thousands of public servants who are driving reform and making the change.

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