John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I too would like a debate on the escalation of the public service work to rule. It is particularly serious now as the most vulnerable are going to be hit if the social welfare offices across the country close. I am conscious that those who would be affected do not have lines of credit, overdrafts, credit or debit cards or even savings. The very people who need welfare money immediately are going to be hit by this escalation of the work-to-rule. Some of the stories we have heard about the Passport Office seem to be mean-spirited such as people turning up with the correct documentation only to be told they are missing something, that the passport is in the post or it is not ready when it is clearly marked on the computer system that it is. The public support the union involved so desperately needs for its action is not only being lost but raising a reaction against the work to rule. I call on the union to consider its actions.

We know sacrifices have been made. I suggest when the Government is dealing with the social partners, the emphasis should be made that when the good times return, the sacrifices made by the public service would not be forgotten and that benchmarking would continue on an upward trajectory.