Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Senator has not voted against a Bill and she should allow me my time. Will the Minister apply the Whip to this legislation? I need to know that because Members have been nominated by organisations that are odds with the legislation.

On 13 October 2015, the Minister said in his Budget Statement that "the days of spending cuts are behind us". He further said, "I am pleased to report that due to our strong recovery and stable public finances, it is the second budget in succession in which we are able to increase support for our public services". Where is the need for a Bill dealing with FEMPI? Is there an emergency or not? That needs to be addressed.

The pain suffered by public servants since the first FEMPI Bill was passed in 2009 goes far beyond a reduction in pay. Based on promises made during the various industrial relations agreements - Croke Park, Haddington Road and Lansdowne Road - backed by the threat of FEMPI legislation, which was unnecessary, public servants have delivered huge increases in productivity. However, the Government parties have failed to deliver on their side of the bargain as promised. Who would expect or believe they would now change and live up to those promises?

The Minister seeks to use, once again, coercive powers in this legislation for another three years to extend the additional working hours for teachers, lecturers in institutes of technologies and members of An Garda Síochána beyond the period set out in the Haddington Road agreement. Have the Minister and the Government considered the damage that is being to the education system and policing by forcing these measures through?