SEANAD:CALLING FOR an urgent resumption of the debate on the Croke Park agreement, Jim Walsh (FF) said taxpayers would revolt if they were aware of half of what was happening to their hard-earned money.

Apparently an attempt was being made to add privilege days to the holiday entitlements of numbers of those covered by the agreement. “There are also compensation days paid within the public service which, in my opinion, are a disgrace.” There were people working in the service “and in these Houses” who got up to 11 weeks’ holidays by the inclusion of compensation days.

Seanad leader Donie Cassidy said he noted what his party colleague had said. It was unacceptable and unsustainable that people should still be on 11 weeks’ holidays.

Four members of the Seanad may contest the forthcoming general election in the Dublin South constituency, Mr Cassidy said. He wished all of them well.

Two candidates from the Upper House already in the field are Alex White (Lab) and Shane Ross (Ind). Maria Corrigan (FF) is also expected to be nominated. Mr Cassidy did not name the fourth potential candidate from the Seanad.