Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Croke Park agreement was negotiated by the previous Government and this Government has consistently indicated that it will continue to abide by its terms.

This agreement has to be seen in its proper context. In fairness to all involved, both unions and successive Governments, it has delivered industrial peace following from the introduction of the pension levy and the subsequent pay cut. Importantly, it has and continues to have real benefits for productivity and change in the way public services are delivered.

I have always maintained that the public service as a whole needs to maximise the benefits of this agreement and to be unremitting in pursuing necessary changes.

See this speech in context