Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I support Senator Bradford's call for a debate on the economy. I do not know why the Tánaiste appeared to get upset when he was somewhat impaled by the comments of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, on increments. I thought of "Varad the Impaler" this morning. It is revealing that the Tánaiste resorted to suggesting that Ministers should not come out with the latest fresh idea on a Monday morning. This is exactly the type of debate we need. Unless we subscribe to an authoritarian vision of a lone voice at all times, we cannot but welcome fresh thinking. The Minister deserves credit for being willing not just to come up with ideas off the top of his head, but to say what needs to be said. It is good that the Tánaiste was challenged by journalists about the Minister's proposal, be it right or wrong. As far as the Croke Park agreement is concerned, we are not at a stage in this economic crisis in which we can afford to have any taboo subject. Everything must be on the table and the agreement must remain under review. If sacrifices are to be made by postponing increments, I hope that the lower paid will be shielded, but the proposal must be on the table in respect of some earners in the public sector. Fair play to the Minister for being willing to say so. I was surprised by the Tánaiste's defensive reaction. He must maintain the Government line, but he should not resort to grumbling about the fact that Cabinet colleagues might show some independence of thought and be willing to say what they believe. It will be a bad day for the Government when those kinds of comments are prohibited.