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

We have given a huge amount of thought to it. I am actively engaged in considering it because the figures are exceptionally large. The Deputy referred to restoration. If one equates restoration with equalling the earnings that are not available owing to the FEMPI legislation, the figure comes to €1.4 billion per year. How the State responds presents an exceptional challenge. That is A Programme for A Partnership Government makes it clear that the only way we can respond is in an orderly and affordable way for everybody. I am committed to doing this. The Public Service Pay Commission will have a very important input into that work. The consequences for other things the Deputy wants to see happen are large. He sent me an excellent budget submission which was very lengthy. I did not agree with everything that was in it, but he had put a lot of thought into it. He made reference to all of the things he would like to see happen, the money for all of which would have to come from a single fund. That is why how we manage future wage levels in the State is so important.

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