Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to be clear that I absolutely respect the independence of the joint labour committee. It is important it would do its work and that it would have that independence, but I am acknowledging there is that €45 million available and it is my view it should go for the purpose of salaries.

The Deputy referenced the previous EROs and what occurred there. I acknowledge that the setting of minimum rates of pay in the previous two EROs was not a product of the joint labour committee negotiation process but as a consequence of the Labour Court setting the rate, and the Labour Court does not have to take into account the money that is made available to support the sector.

While we are focusing here on salaries, there is a broader piece of work being done on the entire service.

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