Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of the rent allowance was raised by the GRA and was a key demand made by it, particularly relating to new recruits. Contrary to what the Deputy said, I am quite sure the rent allowance will be welcomed for new recruits. It was an important support for new recruits in terms of finance. That was something the GRA put on the table. We were able to negotiate to a point where it was available. I think it would be a support for new recruits.

The Lansdowne Road agreement is flexible enough to allow for the concerns of recent recruits in the public service to be addressed in a negotiated way. I agree with the Deputy that we are speaking about a negotiated way forward. That is what has happened. We have seen that happening already in respect of the TUI and the AGSI, notwithstanding its more recent concerns about the public service pay commission. Of course, it is through sitting down and negotiating that this can be resolved. I am very clear, as are most Deputies, about the hardship people in this country have endured and the sacrifices they have had to make.

Gardaí are certainly within that group. It has been very difficult for them. The economy is recovering and we want to make sure that they, as well as other public servants, get the benefit.

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