Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Let me respond to the charges that were made, as it was stated that 60% of the heavy lifting had been done before we entered into office. Yes, the 2011 budget was passed, but it was not implemented. The previous Government passed the most draconian budget known on its way out the door. In advance of the election, the leader of my party stated on national television that we would implement that budget. We did not go into the election on false pretences. One can recreate history, but that is the truth. Let us deal in fact and truth.

I stated that these powers replicated the measures in the original Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest, FEMPI, Act. I do not know if Senator Byrne's mobile telephone is operating again, but I will point him to section 2(6) of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009, which reads:

This section has effect notwithstanding--(a) any provision by or under--

(i) any other Act,
(ii) any statute or other document to like effect of a university or other third level institution,
(iii) any circular or instrument or other document,
(iv) any written agreement or contractual arrangement,

or
(b) any verbal agreement, arrangement or understanding or any expectation.

This measure was set down in the enactment passed by the previous Administration with the support of the Senator opposite.

I wish to pick up on Senator Norris's point about my putting trade unions in a half Nelson. As a country, we are in a half Nelson. I can pretend that we are not or I can wish up a new hybrid social model. I have strong views in that regard. Unfortunately, I must live with the hand of cards that I have been dealt. Until we exit the programme, we have only one funder - the troika - that will give us money at anything like an affordable rate. The troika has set down hard conditions. We did not negotiate them, but we have renegotiated many of them to their improvement. However, we must live with other conditions that constitute a half Nelson on us all until we rid ourselves of it and resume normal funding. Hopefully, that can be achieved soon. It is measures such as this section that will enable us as a people to get out of that half Nelson.

As to fairness, the pay element of reductions in this legislation starts at €65,000. The previous Government started pay reductions at zero. Every euro one got was impacted upon. This Bill is more nuanced and fairer and has been negotiated. I believe and hope that it will be supported by a significant number of public servants, but that is a matter for them.