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

I negotiated a deal with the three unions. In the event, one of them was not able to carry the agreement. It has restored 75% of pay and delivered full equality at later points in the payscale. I know the trade unions representing teachers will go to the Public Service Pay Commission, which is an objective, fair and independent body, to assess the very issues on the table. There will be various issues put forward by the trade unions in various parts of the sector. We must rely on the trade unions, the commission and the subsequent successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement to deal with these issues fairly and deal with the various elements of the demands for various parts of the public service unions. This is the arena we have created and it allows us not only to meet the rightful ambitions of workers in the public service but also to deliver the improved services for which the Deputy's party also asks. We are trying to strike this balance. We are doing the best we can with the available resources and we have a good process that gives people an avenue to pursue their concerns.

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