Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Senators have come all of this way so I believe I should say a quick few words. I thank all Members, both in the Dáil and in the Seanad, for helping this Bill to progress and to pass today. I particularly thank the Opposition for taking a co-operative approach.

This Bill does not affect the conduct of industrial relations, nor does it place any restriction on the industrial relations process. Careful note has been taken of the matters relating to public service pay. I am pleased that the very large majority of public service unions and representative associations are engaged with the new public service agreement, Building Momentum, which is the first forum for engagement on industrial relations matters. The agreement sets out a reform agenda and provides for pay increases, both of which will benefit workers across the public service. Our approach is about balancing the need for pay restraint and stability and certainty in the delivery of public services with the need to support ongoing public service reform. Key areas of our public services have experienced and responded to very challenging demands over the past year. The Bill allows for the implementation of reasonable pay increases and provides a means of using pay to support the wider public service reform agenda, where appropriate. It is on that basis that I commend it to the House.