Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are a significant number of vacancies across the system, in particular in healthcare. Recruitment is too slow. That is definitely having an impact on service delivery and we need to address that. In addition to having a mechanism where we agree general round increases, the Deputy raised the specific point about individual sectors. Of course, there is always the potential knock-on consequence of relativities. Different groups will examine how other groups fare in discussions on public service pay. I am aware of recommendations that the Public Service Pay Commission has made about this particular issue, and having a mechanism to address outstanding matters. We endeavour to do that in the sectoral bargaining fund, with some if not complete success, and the issue of addressing pay at a sectoral level is one that is under consideration in the course of the talks currently under way.

See this speech in context