Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have stated publicly that if I was starting again I would not set out the estimate of €75 million. The genesis of the figure is simple, however. The total for all allowances, including the big chunk that is core pay, is €1.5 billion and 5% of this total is €75 million. I believed we could set out a target of this nature. I did not put it into the budget arithmetic and it was not included in the pay targets but sometimes it is important to set an objective. I will not be enthusiastic about setting further objectives because apparently it is a mortal sin to drill down and discover that a target is not achievable. It is more honest to admit the truth.

My overall target is not €75 million; it is €3.8 billion. I am required to achieve a reduction in pay of €3.8 billion in gross terms, or €3.3 billion in net terms. A dialogue will be required on how we are going to achieve these targets. However, alongside reducing numbers and the pay bill I also want to develop a more efficient public service which offers relative security to those who work in it so they can plan and spend in our economy once again. I have heard shrill voices from those who argue that low paid public servants are somehow responsible for our economic woes. That is not true but certain people want to peddle that claim and we read about it far too often. Public servants have taken two pay cuts. They have taken a pay cut of 7% on average and also pay a levy of 7% on average. They are working harder and doing more.

However, we need to do more and I am asking for more. Tomorrow with the Taoiseach I will meet the implementation body to set a new agenda. We are driving change and reform. This issue should not be looked in a narrow sectoral way but in the round. The Department intends at the end of its five year mandate to have in place a much more efficient modern public service of which we can all be proud and which will be cost effective, efficient and deliver the services people need.

See this speech in context