Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

Deputy Kenny has a duty to explain the contradiction between his latest remarks and those of members of his party who have applauded benchmarking. If he cannot do so, he should withdraw his remarks, which have outraged many public servants. Deputy Kenny may want to take the soft option, but that is not in line with his party's previous support for the benchmarking proposals. Fine Gael's five year economic plan, which was published on 19 March 2002, expressed a belief that public sector salaries have to be commensurate with those paid in the private sector if we are to continue to attract and retain public servants of the required expertise.