Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The public service unions have agreed to engage in initial discussions with the Government in respect of its proposals for an extension to the Croke Park agreement. It would be useful to obtain some notion of the current position with regard to these discussions. Are the Taoiseach and his Department involved in them? If not, are they kept up to date on progress? The Taoiseach will be aware of the clear view articulated by Jack O'Connor, general president of SIPTU and a member of the Labour Party - this is a view I share - that the budget targets low and middle-income families. Will this make it more difficult to reach agreement with the unions? It is interesting that the budget for health for 2013 contains estimates in respect of €450 million in pay-related savings. The Department of Health has also suggested that some 3,500 jobs be cut from the health service. Have these staffing reductions been discussed with the unions? Will they not involve further cuts to front-line staff? Given that there is an excess of pay and pensions at the very top of the public sector, including among politicians, what process is being pursued in respect of this matter? It would be useful if the Taoiseach provided an update on these matters.

The Taoiseach uttered a few sentences with regard to the review of the NESC. If I understood what he said correctly, this review has already begun. Perhaps he might elaborate further on the position in this regard, particularly as I tabled a specific question on the matter.

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