SEANAD REPORT:SEVERAL Government members expressed concern that the public service had been "politicised" for the first time through the industrial action that was being pursued at present.

Camillus Glynn (FF) said he regretted this development, which he regarded as a backward step. He knew that negotiations were taking place, so he would say no more now because he did not want to aggravate that situation.

John Hanafin (FF) said that unfortunately there seemed to be an escalation in the industrial action, whereas heretofore there had been a coherent and manageable strategy. “This week, there appears to be a move towards a party political bias in the public service. I would ask that the public service would seriously consider what they are trying to achieve at the moment.”

The service had an excellent record of impartiality – even during the l930s – but the non-political service it had given since the foundation of the State could be “broken” by the current industrial action. That would be a very serious development.

Party colleague Jim Walsh said the industrial action had politicised the service for the first time, “which I think corrupts the delivery of the service, and the whole ethos of why the public service is there – to serve the public generally – is being set aside in pursuit of self-interest.”

Jerry Buttimer (FG) said the public service was being demonised by the Government and was being treated badly by it. It was about time the Government engaged meaningfully with the social partners, or it would find that there would be absolute anarchy on the streets, something which must be avoided.

Seanad leader Donie Cassidy said they did not want to see any part of the public service “going political” under any circumstances. Its credibility had always been above reproach. Although every sector was under pressure at present, the public service should give a service to all political party members.