Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Many opinions were expressed on public sector reform. If one analyses Members' views, one will note that each may have a different definition of what is meant by the term "public service reform". Public service reform should be geared specifically towards the delivery of public services in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Rather than devoting sound bites to the matter the Order of Business, it probably merits a full debate.

Without doubt there are excellent people in the public service and there are also those who operate sufficiently to justify their positions. There are also under-performers, as there are in every sector, including the private sector. The big difference is that, in the private sector, the under-performers do not survive. Unfortunately, they do in the public service and this needs to be addressed.

Cost-effectiveness is an issue. I was surprised recently by the psychiatric nurses dispute. I do not want to comment on the issues in question because I believe they should not be raised in these Houses. There is industrial relations machinery in place that serves as an effective mechanism to address them.

I noticed in some reports the sickness benefits that apply within the psychiatric service and, I am sure, in many other categories of the public service. When staff become permanently ill, they receive five sixths of their salary. There is no way one would buy permanent health insurance in the private sector such that one could obtain 50% of one's salary, not to mention five sixths. There has been very little highlighting of this issue and it needs to be addressed. All such practices and unsustainable systems in the public service need to be examined, but in a way that is fair on those who devote their lives to working in the public service. I request a debate on this subject.

Will the Leader allow a debate on inflation? We had a good debate last night on the economy. Disparate views were expressed on a range of factors affecting it but we would be better to focus on specific factors that are essential to our economic success. Perhaps we can influence policy by focusing on them specifically.

Major price increases are being sought in the energy sector. Oil prices are affected internationally, as we know, but the prices of electricity and gas are also increasing rapidly. This will have an adverse effect on people if this continues. The problem needs to be addressed and I ask that there be a full debate thereon.