Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

It is disgraceful that bonuses are being paid in the banks. On occasion I have been highly critical in the House of excessive public service pay levels. The taxpayer is now having to support the banks in the interests of the overall economy. In this regard, it is unconscionable that some of the money is being siphoned off to pay bonuses in a situation where the banks are insolvent. That would not happen anywhere else in the private sector and it should not be allowed to happen in the case of the banks. I, therefore, ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the issue.

Before Christmas we were promised there would be an ongoing debate on the Croke Park agreement. I ask for a debate on it as a matter of urgency. I read recently about the negotiations that were taking place on privilege days. Apparently, an attempt is being made to add the number of privilege days to one's annual leave enititlements. Compensatory leave is also given in the public service, which is a disgrace. Those working in the public service and the Houses get up to 11 weeks' holidays following the inclusion of compensatory leave——