Joe O'Toole (Independent)

There is a scamper for the space between the socialist Taoiseach and the comradely Fine Gael Party. On a serious note, the Leader will recall that last week she and I had a discussion very much along the lines of what Senator Brian Hayes has just said. I made the case here last week. The fact is that these workers have not received their normal pay increases. I will not go into that except to state that I support the view that management has a case to answer. It is unfortunate it has finished up in a strike.

My last point may be the final issue on which Senator Brian Hayes might come on board. The House will note that since we signed off on the benchmarking deal there has not been one strike day lost in the Civil Service or public service where this was paid. In supporting it here two years ago, I stated that was the prize. That was what we were attempting to do. These workers deserve their increase and they should get it.

Yesterday I asked the Leader that whatever else happened in the North today, we would have full publication of the issues. It is positive that it seems this is the direction in which we are headed; at least we will see how far the negotiations moved. That is crucial. It is crucial for the Irish and British Governments that we all see their painstaking work and that we would mark the progress that has been made so there can be no drawing back from it. That is significant. It will also give us a clear indication of how difficult it is.

I cannot help thinking, however, that the SDLP and the Official Unionist Party must be looking quite wryly at the events of today. The electorate made its choices. Democracy must operate. However downcast or disappointed we might be about what happens today, it is our duty, as politicians and leaders in society, to measure the progress that has been made in negotiations.