Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Genuinely, that is not the case. We said we would not discuss this matter but that is neither here nor there. I am in negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This is a legacy issue. I do not mean that to be disrespectful to anyone in the Chamber. It is obviously my responsibility; I happen to be the person in this seat right now and I will do everything I can to resolve the matter. I have made a commitment to community employment scheme supervisors that I will ensure I get a solution that is acceptable to them and to us. I am not there yet but I am not far off. If they are trying to be helpful, that is great but the talks have not broken down and I will not give up until I have exhausted everything I can do. Usually, I do not give up until I get my own way.

Several Deputies expressed disappointment at the lack of across-the-board increases for all of the people whom I and my Department have the privilege of serving. I share their disappointment. It is a pity that we are in a situation whereby we must stall what has been the practice in the past couple of years of increasing payments across the schemes. I know how difficult it is for people to live on that single income on which they are entirely reliant. Several Deputies made a correlation with the fact that many Members of this House or the Seanad have received increases in their salaries in recent years. There is nothing stopping any Member of this House gifting back such increases to the State. If any Deputy wishes to do so, I will gladly take it and spend it well through my Department. Nearly every Member on this side of the House has gifted back the FEMPI-linked increases in recent years, as have many other Members. Any Deputy who drew a direct correlation with such increases while contributing on the Bill and who wants to gift back the increase is very welcome to do so.

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