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

Of course I recognise the right of any trade union to form a view on these matters and vote accordingly on any proposal that is put in front of members. However, in the Deputy's analysis she makes no reference to all of those unions that are inside the Lansdowne Road agreement. What about the 20 plus unions that are on side and the more than 250,000 civil and public servants they represent? We must honour our obligations to them, which is what we have done in the budget. While I understand the Deputy's need to focus on people who are outside the agreement, we also must acknowledge those who voted to be inside the agreement. That agreement has demonstrated our capacity to fund and deliver responses to issues raised by members of unions. It enabled us to agree a proposal with the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, the Teachers Union of Ireland and the Irish National Teachers Organisation in regard to new-entrant pay. It helped us to devise a proposal on rent allowance for new entrants to An Garda Síochána.

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