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

I accept fully the recommendations as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I have answered Deputy Troy's questions. I accept the recommendations and analysis put forward by the Public Service Pay Commission. It stated we have challenges in particular areas. I accept the recommendations it has put forward on what needs to be done from a targeted allowance point of view. My answer is very clear. On that basis I and the Department of Health will engage with representatives from nursing. In acknowledging where I stand on the issue, it is important for everyone, and particularly for Fianna Fáil as the main Opposition party that has made great efforts under Deputy Michael McGrath, to be clear on where they stand on key issues of economic responsibility.

Who speaks for Deputy Troy's party on this matter? Is it Deputy Michael McGrath, Deputy Cowen, Deputy Troy himself or is it Deputy Donnelly? If it is Deputy Donnelly, then he is saying different things depending on the audience. My understanding is that Deputy Troy's party is committed to the implementation of the public service stability agreement. If that is the case, I want to understand from Deputy Troy if his party accepts the recommendations of the Public Service Pay Commission and is it willing to be clear in outlining that in order to manage new service demands and new resourcing needs we need to be careful about how we manage our public sector wage bill?

See this speech in context