Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Deputy to consider the implementation plan in the context of the pay commission. Accommodation is one of the projects included. We are, however, competing with a strong economy and an economy that recovered under the Fine Gael-led Government from 2011. We now have almost full employment. Unemployment stood at almost 15% when the Deputy's party was last in government. We cannot compare like with like. We are now competing against a strong jobs market. There are great opportunities in the private sector for many people. When I was appointed to this position in 2016, a three-star private was on €21,000. Under my leadership of the Department that private is now €28,205, which is an increase of €7,000. There will also be further increases under the public service stability agreement. The Deputy should take a careful look and consider the scale of those increases.

See this speech in context