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

I think it is a critique that is developing in other parts of the world. As the Deputy will be aware, it could be the case that the higher levels of savings that are present within economies in Europe after the Covid crisis are playing a role. What is playing a far bigger role is the impact of the war in Ukraine and supply chains that were really weak and fragile as an effect of the pandemic.

The Deputy said he was hoping for a more detailed response. As I said, he put a very detailed question about an aspect of how we pay and recognise our civil servants. It is not up to me here today to prejudge what could happen in the wage negotiations that are under way. Indeed, it would be very unhelpful for me to do so. What I will do is follow up on the specific matter the Deputy raised with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I will come back to him with a more detailed answer on it.

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