Fine Gael Finance Spokesperson Richard Bruton has criticised the Government's decision to exempt some public servants from pay cuts.
Mr Bruton said the decision to spare 600 high-earning public servants from the full impact of the Budget cuts 'stank to the high heavens'.
He was speaking as he tabled a private members' motion calling on the Government to reverse the decision.
Mr Bruton said those on the lowest pay in the public service would see a pay cut of 5%, while he said those at higher end would escape with just a third of that cut.
He said it was unfair and unjustifiable and he called on Fianna Fáil backbenchers to support his motion.
Labour Party Finance Spokesperson Joan Burton said the Minister for Finance should have been forthright about the issue when he delivered the Budget.
In response, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said there had been a lot of populism and 'begrudgery' and it was time to deal in fact. He said those who earn most, have paid most.
The Minister said a clerical officer on the mid-point had seen their pay reduced by 8%, while assistant secretaries were cut by on average 24% over the last three Budgets.
