Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader make time available for a debate, possibly with the Minister for Finance, on the levels of pay in the semi-State sector? People would have read with dismay reports in this morning's newspapers to the effect that a prominent broadcaster in RTE who earns more than three and a half times the amount earned by the Taoiseach is resisting any attempts to reduce his pay. At a time when most people are struggling to make ends meet, when individuals are losing their jobs and when there is massive stress and uncertainty on those in the workplace, the House should be concerned with regard to the enormous amounts of money being earned by an elite section of our society. It would, therefore, be appropriate for us to engage in a debate on the levels of pay that apply in many of semi-State bodies. On previous occasions, reference has been made to the enormous amount of money earned by the chief executive of the ESB. People are being asked to tighten their belts and accept cuts to their wages but it appears that a small section of the community is being treated in a much more favourable way. I would like the matter to which I refer to be discussed in the House.