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

I will deal with the point made by Deputy O'Brien relating to the banks. There are consequences with regard to what Sinn Féin is looking for in terms of our banking system. I realise we will be dealing with this matter during the Finance Bill. I have published a paper that deals with the consequences of treating our banking sector differently. There are consequences, including consequences for consumers of those banks. There are consequences for those in our economy who need credit from those banks. Finally, there are consequences for our State, which still owns a large chunk of those banks.

I will address what Deputy Broughan said as well. I have acknowledged the issues that have arisen and my determination to make progress in this area. Will Deputy Broughan acknowledge that since 2011 over 61,500 new entrants have joined our public services? That amounts to almost 19% of the total workforce. In our efforts to treat them in the way I have described, we put forward a proposition that, I hope, will be favourably considered.

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