Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

A pay increase of 2.5% was paid out just a few weeks before the budget and the Minister is planning on giving a 6% increase next August, making an 8.5% increase when the country's finances are deteriorating rapidly and when he is borrowing €6 billion to pay the wages of public servants. That is not a criticism of public servants. Front line people, such as teachers, doctors, nurses, gardaí and civil servants, fully acknowledge the problem because many of these people have spouses, partners, children and parents who are working in the private sector. They may have lost their jobs or are working a three-day week and the prospects for next year are even worse.

If the Minister wishes to talk to Senator MacSharry, I will sit down and wait for him to finish.