Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

That is why I am saying we cannot undo that in one fell swoop because it would undo all the progress we have made. Obviously, however, that is not the totality of the pay bill reductions because we have also reduced numbers by 10% over the same period.

Pay restoration or pay recovery will be part of the expenditure side of the equation, which is understood. I have not put a figure on it, nor have I brought a figure to Cabinet concerning what will be determined in that regard. I have a figure in mind myself.

We will engage with the public service unions. Throughout my dealings with them over four and a bit years, they have been reasonable and understanding. Every public servant - each garda, teacher, civil servant and local government worker - has a vested interest in our country recovering so we can have quality public services and a place in which families can thrive and find jobs.

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