Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In dealing with the Croke Park agreement it is important for us to look at what has happened in the private sector. Many workers in the private sector have suffered pay reductions of more than 40%. Many small business owners are putting whatever money they have saved in the last ten, 15, 20 or 30 years back into their businesses to try to preserve jobs. Many are stuck in that position. We should, therefore, have a balanced debate on the Croke Park agreement, as many figures have been thrown out. The reality is that wage levels in the public sector are approximately 17% ahead of what they are in the private sector. There is also the issue of job security. There is, therefore, a need for a balanced debate.

I wish to mention an issue I have been raising for the past eight or nine months. It was raised last night on television by Mr. Liam Doran. The cost of drugs in this country is a very valid issue. We will pay more than €2 billion for drugs and medication this year. In 2000 the cost was €574 million. There have been minor reductions in the past three or four years, but the reductions we need have not happened. When we debate the Croke Park agreement, we should refer to some of the other major cuts that really need to be introduced. This is one of the areas in which substantial progress has to be made in 2013, 2014 and 2015. This is the time to start that whole process. I ask for this issue to be included in any debate on the Croke Park agreement.