Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with much of what the Deputy said. I am a strong supporter of free collective bargaining. The problem we faced in recent years was a real threat to the viability of the economy and we were required to make savings across all fronts, all of which were challenging and difficult, not least the very large contribution we required the public service to make, as it consumed one third of the total current budget. Public servants stepped up to the plate and voted to accept the Haddington Road agreement. We must now work towards normalising the relationship between public service employers and public servants in normal dialogue. That will happen as we emerge from the crisis.

On the impact of the repeal of section 2B, clearly, as it was never invoked, its repeal will not have any monetary impact.

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