Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I think it shameful that the Government has decided to institutionalise two-tier pay and pay discrimination against new entrants until 2024, and that Fianna Fáil, let us be clear, has agreed to that continuation. I salute the members of the INMO for their resounding rejection of the proposal, with 94% voting against. It is solidarity in action, understanding that an injury to one is an injury to all and refusing to be divided. Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha made the point that her members are telling us they cannot go on with this number of unfilled vacancies; it is not safe for patients and it is not safe for staff. This is not just about those who are affected but about the ability to recruit to and fulfil our public service positions. Teacher unions are currently balloting and I hope the teachers will follow the action of the nurses in rejecting this institutionalisation of two-tier pay. The Government could then be faced with joint action by teachers and nurses to finally reject this entrenched pay inequality.

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