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

All of the discussions to date have been on processes concerning the future of the Lansdowne Road agreement. I am not in a position to give the Deputy a cost or a proposal ICTU might make to me in the future. Overall, the cost of any adjustment to the Lansdowne Road agreement per month is between €25 million and €35 million.

On the Deputy's questions about An Garda Síochána and how the pay increase will be paid for, I will work on the matter with the Minister for Justice and Equality across 2017. I am awaiting the result of the ballot that is due in a week's time. In its aftermath, we will engage on the issues the Deputy is raising with me. Obviously, the result of the ballot will have a fundamental effect on the cost and what might need to be paid for.

On the Labour Court recommendation, I have one broad point. There appeared to be consensus within the House. The triggering of the WRC and the Labour Court to deal with these issues was the correct approach. They became involved because they were independent bodies. Had the Government decided it would not accept such a recommendation, it would have caused great difficulties in the management of industrial relations in the future. I acknowledge that accepting the recommendation has created a different set of consequences which the Deputy is raising with me.

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