Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The Social Democrats support the motion because we believe in the principle behind it. Much has been made by speakers tonight about the independence of the process to determine Members' pay. I support that process fully and we should stick with it. There were many years when that was not the case and the change is an important and welcome development. That does not mean Members cannot take decisions in their own right or as parties in respect of whether now is the right time for Deputies to accept restoration of pay. I argue strongly that this is not the right time given the problems the country faces. Many people remain in dire straits and many are working desperately to keep their heads above water. There are 500,000 people on hospital waiting lists. One in nine children lives in poverty and 2,000 children are homeless and living in emergency accommodation. Many public sector workers are on pay that is so low, they qualify for family income supplement.

Clearly, this is not the right time for Deputies to restore their own pay or to accept such a restoration. One of the biggest issues facing the country is the demand for wage increases, in particular in the public service. Members of the House and members of Government, in particular, can have no moral authority in talking about the need for pay restraint if we are unprepared to practise it ourselves. This is not the right time for Deputies to accept pay restoration. We must lead by example if we are to have any credibility in this area at all. On the question of independence, of course, Deputies' allowances were supposed to be addressed through an independent mechanism. That was the recommendation in 2010, but the Government, regrettably, has not accepted it.

The tone of some of the contributions tonight was regrettable. It is in no one's interest for Members of the House to show disrespect to other Members and belittle the role of Deputies. We work damn hard and should be respected for it, but that does not necessarily mean we must accept a recommendation to take pay restoration. That tone was regrettable. The Social Democrats have proposed an amendment to the motion. We propose that instead of the Government deciding it, the Dáil should. It is not up to the Government. Deputy Catherine Murphy and I will not accept the restoration of pay on this occasion and will be gifting it to the State. I urge other Members who are talking about not taking it to do likewise and not to use this sum of money as a personal slush fund to enhance their standing in their constituencies, however that is done. That is not what we are talking about here. It is about showing leadership by example. That means gifting the money back to the State.

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