Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, to the House and commend him. While I cannot divulge any information concerning my parliamentary practice, his proposals floated at our meetings have always been constructive. I also commend him on his openness and willingness to have a dialogue at national level.

Senators Feeney and Cummins and I were among seven of the candidates nominated by the Irish Conference of Professional and Service Associations, ICPSA, to contest the 2002 and 2007 Seanad elections. We met in Buswell's Hotel today to discuss the body's concerns. As the Senators selected by the ICPSA and elected by councillors, TDs and Senators, and as Fianna Fáil members, it is our responsibility to articulate the ICPSA's concerns on the Bill. It is better that we speak inside the Oireachtas than speak into it from the outside.

The ICPSA is not a member of ICTU and has no voice in terms of a national partnership. It depends on its representatives and organisations to table its opinions. The ICPSA has expressed to us its deep concern about the proposals and is asking for a refinement, to say the least. It believes that the proposals are unfair and inequitable and target the wrong people. Had I the choice, I would choose to increase the top rate, the next rate and possibly another rate of tax to encompass everyone in the private and public sectors. It would be fair and equitable and would not separate the public and private services.

Given the number of issues addressed in our discussion today, the ICPSA has received many representations. It has been inundated concerning those on low incomes who must pay the 1% levy and the new rate. As they have taken out mortgages, have educational costs and so on, this is a serious issue. Will the Minister of State examine the overall package to try to alleviate the difficulties being experienced by low paid public servants?

Many people resent the Judiciary's exclusion from the Bill under Article 35 of the Constitution. While we cannot discuss the Judiciary, I do not know why we cannot vote on a constitutional amendment on 5 June.