Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I did not seek a pay increase and I did not look for this issue to be debated in the House this evening. However, what has been put before us put before us must be acknowledged. We have to keep the decision independent because if we do not do so, responsibility for making it will be returned to politicians.

Who knows where it would go, up, down or wherever? It was left in the hands of the politicians for long enough. When it was introduced in 2001 it was welcomed by all sides. I find it remarkable that when the FEMPI report was discussed here in 2015 it was backed by the party which has tabled the motion this evening. Is this what we call underspend, talking out of the two sides of their mouths? I hope not, but it clearly is that way.

It is disingenuous to think that people are sitting at home with their feet up when we know for a fact Members are in their offices working or have just left committee rooms, having sat there from between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. We know that debates and conversations are taking place about Calais in offices here tonight. It is very disingenuous to send out the message that we are afraid to discuss our salaries. This is not the case. What we want is to keep it the way it is presented and keep it entirely and utterly independent. What people do with their wages when they receive them is their choice. It is not the choice of anybody else. I will not support the motion before us this evening. We must keep it independent.

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