In dealing with the Croke Park agreement it is important for us to look at what has happened in the private sector. Many workers in the private sector have suffered pay reductions of more than 40%. Many small business owners are putting whatever money they have saved in the last ten, 15, 20 or 30 years back into their businesses to try to preserve jobs. Many are stuck in that position. We should, therefore, have a balanced debate on the Croke Park agreement, as many figures have been thrown out. The reality is that wage levels in the public sector are approximately 17% ahead of what they are in the private sector. There is also the issue of job security. There is, therefore, a need for a balanced debate.

I wish to mention an issue I have been raising for the past eight or nine months. It was raised last night on television by Mr. Liam Doran. The cost of drugs in this country is a very valid issue. We will pay more than €2 billion for drugs and medication this year. In 2000 the cost was €574 million. There have been minor reductions in the past three or four years, but the reductions we need have not happened. When we debate the Croke Park agreement, we should refer to some of the other major cuts that really need to be introduced. This is one of the areas in which substantial progress has to be made in 2013, 2014 and 2015. This is the time to start that whole process. I ask for this issue to be included in any debate on the Croke Park agreement.

Ba mhaith liom cur leis an méid a dúirt an Seanadóir MacSharry mar gheall ar an iar-Sheanadóir, Bernard McGlinchey, a fuair bás thar an deireadh seachtaine agus a cuireadh i Leitir Ceanainn Dé Domhnaigh seo caite. Chaith sé níos mó ná 20 bliain sa Teach seo, ón bhliain 1961 go dtí tús na 1980dí. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an Ceannaire breá-sásta ócáid a eagrú amach anseo chun cuimhne ceart a dhéanamh ar an seirbhís a thug Bernard McGlinchey do Chontae Dhún na nGall, don Seanad agus don Stát thar na blianta. Is mian liom freisin tacú leis an méid a dúirt mo chomhghleacaí, an Seanadóir O'Donovan, i dtaobh na fadhbanna móra atá ag feirmeoirí faoi láthair i dtaca leis an nganntanas bia do na hainmhithe agus an t-airgead atá ag seasamh amach dóibh. Cuirim leis an rún atá molta sa chomhthéacs sin.

I wish to comment on a serious issue that affects all public servants - people on whom we depend such as gardaí, nurses, doctors, teachers, surgeons and firemen. Morale is at an all-time low. As public representatives, on a daily basis we meet civil and public servants who work for and defend the State and our interests. The manner in which they are being treated is totally unacceptable. While I agree with most of what Senator Colm Burke had to say, I remind him that the Government is creating a divide between the public and private sectors by trying to play one off the other, which is wholly unfair. Arguments to that effect are often presented by Ministers during debates. The Senator was right to suggest alternative approaches are available. He identified one of them and there are many others.

The Senator's party had 14 years, but it did nothing about it.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill to continue, without interruption.

For example, the Government is spending €2.8 billion on non-governmental organisations and quangos this year on behalf of the taxpayer. There has been a very small reduction in this area.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Why are we trying to push young teachers, gardaí and nurses over the edge? Those who bought properties during the boom cannot afford to take further pay cuts. It would be disgraceful if the Government moved to legislate for a pay cut without entering into meaningful consultation, as opposed to consultation after the event. There is a need for space and calm in order that there can be a total rethink. The Government needs to step back and listen to the unions at this stage.

It is an awful pity they did not listen to the unions six months ago, as we would not be where we are today.