Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his protection. Listening to the case in favour of the motion, I wished the proposers and those in the Fine Gael Party who dreamed it up had gone to the trouble of making a few telephone calls because it is based on false information and a complete lack of understanding of the benchmarking process. The consultants who produced the report sat down with every single union group in the public sector. They were formed into four groups – education, local authorities, health and Civil Service. Each group had to negotiate separate deals. They were then brought together and the deal was hammered out. It is not in any way general. A group of teachers asked me to put the following question to the Fine Gael Party: "What more is it looking for? We have outlined exactly what we are going to do." That is just one group. I could do the same on behalf of others.