Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

When the history of this era is written, many people who are now screaming and pointing the finger at others may in fact be in the dock. I subscribe to much of what Senator Hanafin had to say and fully to what Senator Harris said. The House will later debate the four year plan, at which point Members will be able to expand further on these issues. However, Senator Harris is correct in saying that of the order of 40% of our expenditure, 40% of which is borrowed, goes towards public service pay. While I acknowledge that salaries will not be interfered with under the four year plan maintaining salaries in the public service at the level at which they are at is unsustainable and will make us uncompetitive. Public service pay will have to be addressed regardless of the Croke Park agreement. More important, natural wastage must not be the main focus in terms of reducing numbers in the public service as this will in time only lead to an erosion of extremely capable people, as has happened in the past.