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

Through the decisions we made in the past couple of years, and I provided a summary of some of the improvements introduced, we have demonstrated a willingness to examine this issue. There will always be risks in terms of wider public pay policy and there is a complex set of allowances across the public service but we have demonstrated a preparedness to take some risks by making changes to allowances. I recognise the point made by the Deputy about the special place of members of our Defence Forces, who are not in a position to take industrial action for very good reason. I am glad they are very much within the ICTU tent and have a voice. It is a voice they have given very effective expression to over the course of the recent pay talks. I assure the Deputy that positive engagement between my Department and the Department of Defence will continue. Once we have responses to the various queries that have been provided to them, a prompt decision will be made.

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