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

I feel I have to correct the record slightly to say that a new tank or vessel is anything but a toy. It is meeting an equipment need that has been raised with me by the Department of Defence, originating in the armed forces. It is anything but that and at the very least it contributes to ensuring the safety of the personnel who Deputy Daly is referring to. The Deputy was very clear about what she is looking for. She wants us to go to a wage level that is higher than it was before the implementation of FEMPI. They will be higher than they were before we got into difficulty.

I know the Deputy will have ways that this can be paid for but that is overall a wage bill for our public services that will ultimately compromise our ability to deliver services, and all the other things I have been called on to do over the past 45 minutes since I came in here. I am committed to standing behind the work of the Public Service Pay Commission to see if it yield recommendations that can be delivered while maintaining an overall collective wage agreement. I reaffirm the great respect I have for all those in uniform who represent our State at home and abroad.

See this speech in context