Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have answered a few questions like this one and do not want to repeat the entire preamble. My intention is to open discussions today with the public sector and that has happened. We understand the economic circumstances in which we are discussing these matters. In an article I had published today I stated we did not have a greenfield site. We cannot undo all of the cuts; that would take a very considerable amount of time. I am very conscious that the sustainability of the public finances remains the first objective.

I acknowledge the contribution made by public sector workers to our recovery. Without their forbearance, doing more for less, we would not have got through the past four, five or six difficult years. As the cuts are anchored in emergency legislation, it is prudent and wise to see how we can unwind that emergency legislation in a rational way that would not put our recovery in jeopardy.

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