Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is an academic exercise, as the Senator knows, no matter how much he throws his eyes up to Heaven. The Minister of State sits at the Cabinet table and is at the heart of the decision-making of the Government. We must await publication of the report, in tandem with, as I said yesterday, the restoration of pay and the withdrawal of the FEMPI legislation. We have seen pay increases, from 6.2% to 7.4%, for those with salaries under €70,000. As a committed former member of the Defence Forces, the nominating body he is representing in this Chamber, the Senator should pre-empt what will be contained in the report. When we have it, we can have another debate on the issue. All of us on this side of the House, including Senator McFadden, speak to the Minister of State. I meet members of the Defence Forces every day, some of whom are my friends and former classmates. I understand the situation and we are committed to implementing the report. I am happy, therefore, to accept the amendment proposed to the Order of Business as the Senator has a genuine motivation for bringing it forward.