David Norris (Independent)

Senator Keane made a reasonable point that the Government may be more inclined to address this issue if alternative sources of funding could be found. I have a proposal in this regard. I suggest an end to the automatic entitlements to an increment in the public service. As people have not yet been given their increment, withdrawing it would not take money out of their pockets and would not breach the Croke Park agreement. I am not attacking the public service but when challenged to produce an alternative source of revenue, my proposal would at least match the proposal before us. I have given one answer that this side can legitimately provide.

Finally, and I should have said this first, we all appreciate very much the courtesy the Minister of State has shown in accepting that the Bill should proceed this evening and taking time out of what is, I have no doubt, an extremely busy schedule to make himself available for this debate. All sides appreciate what he has done.