Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We cannot do that on the airwaves or on television. The important point I wish to make is that I fully understand the frustration of members of An Garda Síochána. If Senators live and operate in the real world, they will see and hear their stories. It goes back decades. One can judge the morale of the gardaí from the internal working of An Garda Síochána and its pay issues. Senator Ó Ríordáin's party leader, the former Minister, Deputy Howlin, was very much involved in the Lansdowne Road agreement. A public sector pay commission is being established. There is one way to resolve this and that is through the industrial relations mechanisms of the State, and that is important. The vast majority of unions have signed up to pay restoration. I speak to colleagues of mine in schools and to members of An Garda Síochána every day. Government does not want to be in dispute with unions or with public sector unions, as in this case. The Minister for Justice and Equality has been quite clear. The way to resolve this is to talk. I appeal to all sides, Government and unions, to become involved in the process we have. I look forward to this being resolved.