Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, has pointed out, full restoration of all of the cuts would cost close to €2 billion and we have to make a phased arrangement. Under existing arrangements we are making a commitment of not far off €1 billion in restoration over the period of this agreement. We have the public pay commission and I know the INTO and TUI will pursue the cases the Deputy has made. From my point of view, I have to deal with public pay policy and I also have to try to deliver equity to those who have need and a call on the Department. With regard to what we can achieve in any given year, we have to balance the rightful ambition for teachers and young teachers to see restoration of pay with the other demands on the Department. These issues are encapsulated in the Lansdowne Road agreement. This is the arena within which we seek to resolve these balances and it is continuing with the Public Service Pay Commission and the successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement. This is the arena where we have to address the issues raised by the Deputy.

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