The Taoiseach spoke about next week's budget and we all have our own submissions in, which is important. There are huge issues with retention, recruitment, pay and conditions across the public sector from community workers to section 39 workers, and those who are upholding and guiding people in law and those who are serving in emergency services. I am very aware of the great work that is being done in my own area of Carlow but there are also huge issues. What can we do to support those who are about to withdraw services such is their frustration right now?

If we look across the country there are problems with recruitment and retention in the public sector and the private sector, in big companies and small, and in well-paid areas and in poorly paid areas. That is a feature of the fact that we do not just have full employment in Ireland - we are now beyond full employment and there are many more vacancies than there are people with the skills to fill those jobs. What we can do about it? We can increase training and education so that more people have the appropriate skills, encourage people to enter the workforce who are not currently in the workforce, have better terms and conditions and provide work permits and work visas for people with skills to come here from overseas.