Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This legislation sends an important signal to the public service generally and acknowledges the contribution workers in that sector have made to our recovery. I expect people to be pleasantly surprised by the measures contained in the Bill because I am not sure everybody has fully understood the benefit they will receive next year. As I said, I hope to be in a position to explain the changes, through my officials, to any union that has concerns about them.

It is a major step towards undoing some of the imposition put upon public sector workers during the gravest of times. Whoever is in my position next year will keep this under review. It will be a welcome supplement to, and augmentation of, public service pay and pensions on 1 January. I thank the House for its support and the debate on this matter.

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