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

Of course. At the end of the day, we provide public services with a view to them reaching where they are needed and that citizens receive services. That is ultimately what having a public service pay deal or a fit-for-purpose public service is all about. We do need to have accountability, so that where public money is being provided through Votes in this Oireachtas, that it is used for the purpose for which it is intended.

Deputy Calleary's specific point about ensuring there is a mechanism to address particular pay issues so that recruitment can be successful is a fair one, which we will take on board. I acknowledge his consistent work in advocating in the area of disability services and special needs, in particular, and highlighting the deficiencies that exist in the provision of services currently. I assure him that it is a priority for the Government. I will ensure that the pay deal will not provide any barrier to addressing them by means of recruitment of the people we need.

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