Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Howlin seems to have reversed some engines himself on this matter but that is a point of view. He and I had discussions previously when he was in a different position about holding lines very clearly. In fairness to him, I have often said that he stood his ground very fast and clear. I welcome the fact the ASTI is now in discussions and I hope that those discussions will lead to an end to some of the industrial disputes it has in respect of supervision and substitution and the money on the table for new entrant teachers. I am glad the INMO has stated very clearly that it supports the Lansdowne Road agreement.

Deputy Howlin asked me a direct question about whether I accept that there is a need for a successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement. The answer to that question is "yes". Do I say that it should take place now? The Public Service Pay Commission needs to be able to start its work. That is representative of a very broad range of exceptionally qualified people and they are entitled to look at the broader question raised by Deputy Howlin if they so wish. This question concerns having work conducted in respect of pay, conditions and broader issues relating to any of the sectors that are in there. We remain fully committed to the Lansdowne Road agreement and I have said this very clearly but we also need a successor to it. The fact that the Public Service Pay Commission has already started its work is an important element here. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform does not have endless resources, no more than Deputy Howlin had.

We are not concerned only about the public sector and public services which people work very hard to provide; we have 3 million of the population, many of whom are self-employed and involved in small businesses. Jobs were lost by the hundreds and thousands in the time of recession. We need to strike a balance and have continued prudent management of the economy in order that we will move ahead as a country at a time when there are obviously complexities with Brexit and other issues internationally because of the economic climate. We support taking a collective approach to dealing with this matter. I greatly value the work that will take place with the public pay commission. I recognise that there has to be a successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement and obviously would like the Labour Court's proposal to be reflected and voted on by the GRA and the AGSI in due course. The Government will, of course, have to take all of these things into account.

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