Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

In 2002 some 21,000 days were lost through industrial action which was the lowest figure in the past 32 years. The claim that the public is getting nothing in return for the benchmarking deal is not true. Verification groups have been set up and agreements relating to each sector have been made, for example, the standardisation of the school year has been agreed and the Revenue Commissioners have agreed to fully co-operate with the introduction of technology. The reduction of 5,000 in public service jobs announced by the Minister for Finance will not reduce services but will mean that the reduced number of public servants will have to do the work being undertaken at present by the public sector.