Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

What I quoted was exactly what the Minister of State said last year. I quote him again. He said: "The Public Service Pay Commission is due to complete its exercise in the second half of 2018." That period has come and gone. The Minister of State's colleague, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, has said he now expects it to report at the end of quarter 2 this year. Why is there a delay? There is no reason and there appears to be no urgency. Why was it only in March that the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff met the commission? Why did it not happen last year or the year before? We all understand the exceptional work and schedules of the Defence Forces and how they have suffered as a consequence. They are unlike any other part of the public service, which is why they should have been dealt with first. The Government is hedging its bets. If the commission reports at the end of June, within the timeframe indicated by the Minister for Finance and even if it is not kicked to touch, will the measures be brought before the House in the budget? If not, will the Minister of State implement interim measures to stop the haemorrhage from the Defence Forces owing, in particular, to pay levels?

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