Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Life-work balance was good in the public service but the arrangements proposed under the Croke Park II agreement would have undermined it in a big way. The Minister is probably familiar with the equity audit carried out by equality expert, Niall Crowley, who is the former head of the Equality Authority. The audit focused on the changes to working conditions proposed, something which has not received as much media attention as the pay elements. The proposals included pay cuts, increment freezes and changes to working conditions such as longer working weeks with no additional pay. The equality audit focused on the impact of the proposed changes on women and men with caring responsibilities. The key results showed that the provision for additional working hours would have a higher impact on them. That could force women and carers out of the workforce. Second, the provision regarding work sharing, which was to be reduced under the agreement, would have a similar impact. Women and carers would be disproportionately hit. Third, the proposed reduction in flextime arrangements would impact more negatively on women and carers.

One of the principal guiding lights of the agreement was supposed to be an increase in productivity but the proposed cuts could lead to a loss of productivity. Does the Minister not think, given everything that has happened following the implementation of austerity measures, which has undermined the social contract that has been built up since the Second World War, that these proposals will further erode the conditions of those who have suffered most through the austerity campaign, particularly women and children?

See this speech in context