Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My overriding message in light of where we stand with the ASTI and the representative bodies of An Garda Síochána is the need for continued engagement in the coming days and into next week between them and both Departments. It is vital that the Government's proposals and the framework offered by the Lansdowne Road agreement be used to determine whether an affordable agreement can be reached for those organisations, cognisant of the broader needs of the public service.

Regarding the Deputy's analysis of where we stand and reverting to Deputy Broughan's previous question, the further restoration of pay will be a consequence of the unwinding of FEMPI legislation over time. That unwinding can only happen when the resources and funding are available to the State to do it. I am clear in my commitment to make that happen, but I must also fund new and existing public services and meet the needs of many across society who have a claim on the use of Exchequer resources.

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