Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have already negotiated, signed off and debated the Haddington Road agreement. Is the Deputy suggesting ex post facto years later, having implemented it in full and having asked workers to implement it, that we should renege on it?

It does not make sense. It would be a breach of trust with the people with whom we negotiated and it is set out in black and white in the Haddington Road agreement. It was years ago. People did not have any issues with it until now, when we start to implement it as we emerge from the crisis.

The final point in Deputy McDonald's contribution is that we should legislate to uniquely exclude from any pay rise Members of the Oireachtas and officeholders. That runs counter to the structure and architecture of the financial emergency measures in the public interest legislation, which cannot single out one cluster of workers for special attention. That is why I am saying the Government will voluntarily exclude itself but I do not ask Members of the Oireachtas, Deputies or Senators to exclude themselves. They are linked to principal officers in the public service and that is the determination. As they enjoy pay restoration, so should Members of the Oireachtas. That is my view on it and it is the view of many Members of the Oireachtas. They might not be rushing into the House to support me today but I believe many people will be of that view.

I want to deal with Deputy Healy's general point, which I understand is that the emergency is over, give everything back.

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