Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I wish to bring to the attention of the House a well-produced document on social and economic indicators from the Oireachtas Library and Research Service. This is the kind of document that would cost a lot of money in the private sector. It is superb and the people who prepared it should understand we appreciate it is an outstanding piece of work. I bring it to the attention of the House because it is valuable in itself but also because it was produced by members of the public service.

I am rarely stuck for words in this House but Senator Jim Walsh, on the Government benches, last week demonised public servants, including teachers, nurses, gardaí, civil servants and a range of others, with disparaging comments. It struck me as incredible that a Member of this House could speak of modernisation and progression while representing a party that has, for 30 years, refused to allow this House modernise and change to meet the will of the people. The Senator made comments on prison officers but, while we might have personal opinions of them, there was outrage some years ago when a Minister for the public service suggested politicians should check in every morning. He was blown out of the water because we would not do such a thing. The same goes for matters relating to information technology, IT, and modernisation; every primary school and every office of the public service uses IT. Should we keep it a secret that 50% of Members of the Oireachtas cannot send and receive e-mails? People in this House who make comments such as those made by Senator Walsh last week should check they are not throwing stones inside a glasshouse. I would be happy to have a debate on this. Senator Walsh can bring a supporting Minister with him and I will stand toe to toe with both. For every problem they find in the public service I will find one in this House and I guarantee I will be the last man standing.