John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to begin by apologising to Senator Thomas Byrne. I interrupted him during his contribution. There is a responsibility on Members to listen carefully to what other Members are saying. There is also a responsibility on them to say something that does not completely exasperate everyone else in the House. Senator Thomas Byrne cannot expect to come into the House and retain a shred of credibility when only six months ago he and his party were proposing measures to cut €350 million from the public pay bill - not €300 million as we have done in a fair way. He criticises us for doing what they proposed to do - to cut and defer increments, cut 5% from all allowances, impose additional working hours and cut premium payments. These proposals were all included in his party's pre-budget submission, yet he criticises us for doing something which takes less and in a fairer way. There can be no credibility in doing this.

I have to address the points made by Senator David Norris, if he does not mind. He mixes up cause and effect with reference to austerity.