Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I do not share his concerns. Today's announcement is potentially good news for the Irish taxpayer. I am glad to see we are having a debate on the issue, however, and I suggest that from this point forward we should have a rolling debate on banks and how we can get out of this crisis.

People will be relieved by the announcement this morning that the Government and trade unions have come to a draft agreement on public sector reform. We must salute those officials who have been involved in a marathon task in recent days, and Kieran Mulvey in particular. Last December, my party said the Government should not have broken off from the talks. I am worried that the atmosphere has been soured and polluted somewhat since then. We have seen the outbreak of public sector action, which perhaps could have been avoided if those talks has not been broken off. I worry that the public sector action may have clouded the whole issue when it comes to discussing the draft agreement. It is in everybody's interest to move on from here. The goal of public sector reform has the potential to deliver real benefits to the public, whether they involve passport applications, reform of Revenue services or ensuring people get their social welfare payments on time. There are great benefits to be gained from getting an agreement between the Government and the public sector. I hope they can manage to discuss this draft agreement in a positive way and hopefully put it into action.