Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Teachers have a rightful case to make for the restoration of pay. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, pointed out that the Lansdowne Road agreement would cost the State €300 million this year. If the whole agreement was unwound in one go, it would cost €1.4 billion, more than double what is likely to be available for spending in the forthcoming budget. In recognising the pressures on hospital, housing, education and so on, a balance must be struck. That is what the Lansdowne Road agreement does. The pay commission will offer an open opportunity to address the issue the Deputy has raised.

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