Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator knows I am correct in this regard.

The other point is that regardless of whether one is in opposition or in a minority Government, if one considers what the Government has available to spend, the fiscal space - I hate using the term - is limited and the ratio, in terms of tax and public expenditure, is 2:1. If, as Senator Coffey sought, one wishes to fund education, public disability services, housing or services for the elderly, one must make choices. While being in government requires making choices, in the case of the GRA and the Garda, I hope they will return to talks because all Members of this House respect them. Moreover, all Senators, who serve as legislators and Members of the Oireachtas, serve with An Garda Síochána and value tremendously the work its members do. However, one must go into talks and one must negotiate.