John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin's contribution is interesting for its entertainment value, like most of its economic policies. However, I note the genuine concern for the welfare of the Labour Party, for which I thank it.

This is the fifth Bill dealing with financial emergency measures in the public interest. We must acknowledge the sacrifices made by the public service and which it continues to make. I also acknowledge the contribution public servants have made in returning the country to some level of stability. The public service pay bill makes up 36% of Exchequer expenditure, at €18.3 billion. Savings are crucial and everyone must make a contribution. Higher earners will make a higher contribution. Sinn Féin argues that low-paid workers will suffer, but these measures will hardly affect low-paid public servants. The Minister acknowledges that this is an unpleasant business and I agree. No Government would ever countenance doing anything like this unless it was absolutely necessary to do so. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in that unenviable position.

I pay tribute to the Minister for the careful and thoughtful manner in which he went about his business and the careful and thoughtful manner in which he has gone about his business since he was appointed Minister. Even his critics will acknowledge this. I think even Fianna Fáil will be generous enough to acknowledge it.

I pay tribute to the public service trade unions which have robustly defended their position and that of their workers. They have recognised that the situation requires some adjustment to public service pay levels. That is the job of trade unions. They rejected Croke Park II, but the Minister did not panic, although many commentators said this signalled the end and that the sky would fall in. I have been a trade unionist all my life. I was a shop steward and a union secretary. Everyone knows that industrial relations are made up of an engagement process which creates proper and sustainable solutions. These proposals are reasonable. I do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of any vote or decision of the trade union movement, but it is in a position to recommend acceptance of the new deal by some unions which previously were unable to do so.

The key objective of this legislation is to achieve savings of €300 million this year and €1 billion by the end of 2015. The process is equally important. These savings have to be made but by agreement. I note that no other country has managed to implement these reductions in the pay and conditions of public servants without massive industrial unrest. All we have to do is look at Greece and our European partners to see how lack of engagement has resulted in significant societal and industrial unrest. It is a tribute to the Minister, the Government and the Labour Relations Commission.

I look forward to discussing the proposed amendments on Committee Stage.

I will leave it at that, but I must say to Senator Byrne that if he continues to contribute, he should at least try to be honest.