Eoghan Harris (Independent)

I note that there is a great deal of business before the House and I will be brief. In my contributions to the Seanad I have concentrated on two matters: reform of the public sector and reform of the criminal justice system. On reform of the public sector, there is a task force report due in which I have no great confidence since it is top heavy with civil servants. Accordingly, it would be hypocritical of me to go on criticising the public service and this need for reform and looking for pay freezes without addressing the matter myself. I was touched by a letter to The Irish Times yesterday from Mr. Molloy who stated that people in the public sector who have permanent pensionable jobs and who have pension schemes which are index linked should take a pay cut. Accordingly, I have told my office to tell the Minister for Finance that he can have 10% of my salary as soon as he wants it. Under section 483 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, he can apply the money to any purpose for or towards the cost of which public moneys are provided. Indeed, if I could earmark it, I would not mind it going to Senator Prendergast's fund for hair pieces for people with cancer who need the image. I might be in need of it myself soon.

As a former trade unionist, I hate doing this. People should be able to keep the money they earn. I do not think anybody understands the seriousness of the economic situation of the country. My colleagues are under no obligation, but I would be a hypocrite, since I am one of the leaders of the charge on the public sector, if I continued to take money while asking others to take a 10% cut.