John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am not arguing that there is no need to make savings. Everyone in opposition knows that public sector reform must happen. It would be folly for us to think otherwise. The persistent slashing of public sector members will not solve the State's economic problems. I would like to mention an interesting impact study that was published by the ESRI recently on the impact of fiscal cuts on the general Government debt. The ESRI found that reducing the number of public service employees actually increases the debt. I do not know if the Minister is familiar with the study, which the ESRI released recently. According to the ESRI study, the only real long-term reduction in the debt happens because of emigration. I have cited the health and education services as examples of quality not increasing as a result of cuts. Like many others, I accept that we need to deal with the public service by making it more efficient. I do not know whether everybody in opposition acknowledges that, but I am prepared to do so publicly. Having spoken to teachers, doctors and nurses who work on the front line, I know they do not see a good end result.

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