Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In terms of the programme for Government, the Tánaiste will be aware that gardaí start on a salary of approximately €23,400. Last week, a number of Deputies across the House as well as Senators attended a presentation by the INTO on the starting salaries of young teachers and all of the difficulties the situation creates. In the programme for Government, there is a commitment to set up a public sector pay commission to examine public sector pay. Will the Tánaiste confirm when this commission will be established and when these issues relating to the pay of young public servants, in particular, will be considered and reviewed?

The programme for Government commits to the transfer of responsibility for criminal legal aid to the Legal Aid Board, which will have new powers to compel criminals to pay a contribution. When will that come before the House? When can we expect it?

On the health (transport support) Bill, the relevant support scheme was cut by the last Government in 2013. At the time, the Government said it would introduce a Bill to place the scheme on a statutory basis. Will the Tánaiste confirm that this Bill will be before the House before the recess?

Finally, will the Tánaiste confirm when the new children's hospital establishment Bill, which is to establish a statutory body to provide paediatric acute services, will be before the House?

See this speech in context