Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like other colleagues, I support Senator Norris and I want to do that while fully respecting the Cathaoirleach's decision that we do not have a role in regard to this matter. I refer to the proposal to reduce people's wages by 5.6% without any discussion. These are public servants after all who work extremely hard. This proposal is being made at a time when we have the establishment of a low pay commission, and when various Ministers at various ard-fheiseanna have said that this is the year we can look at pay increases for the public sector. This is happening at a time when ushers in these Houses who retire are not being replaced. It is happening at a time when members of the catering staff who have worked here for decades must during periods of recess go on social welfare payments because they have not been taken on in a permanent capacity. These are issues that have been brought to our attention and there is an onus on us to highlight them in whatever way we can. I respect the Cathaoirleach's decision but Members of this House are on the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and the onus is on us to raise these issues with them.