Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like other speakers, I compliment the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Deputy Michael Martin, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. Yesterday was a fine day. The Magdalen girls and ladies had suffered for so long. I listened to them on "Morning Ireland" and they appreciate all that was done. The Taoiseach's speech was very moving. He demonstrated compassion for the ladies and scrubbed away the nation's shadows.

I call on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, and his Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, to reach out and meet the leaders of the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance who are justifiably seething with anger lest the Government imposes unilateral cuts in pay that is neither a bonus nor an increment but an allowance in recognition of the anti-social and anti-family nature of working on a Sunday, week in and week out for the 52 weeks of the year, or when everybody else is on holidays, can take bank holiday breaks or spend Christmas with their families. I implore the Leader to call on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Justice and Equality to re-engage with the GRA and the AGSI which also have a responsibility - - - - -