Politicians would have to justify their pay rises, Mr Damien English (FG, Meath) told the Dáil yesterday.
He said that while the rest of the State suffered from hospital bed closures and other cutbacks, life for the elite who worked in association with the Government was better than normal.
"I do not have any problem accepting a pay rise if there are results. We need to clarify for the people the hours we work and what we do during that time so they can understand why we are getting a pay rise."
Mr English was speaking during the resumed debate on the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002, which provides for the establishment of a body known as Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).
He said that he was not saying that money could be saved by not appointing State boards.
"However, we and the taxpayers deserve to know what the money is being spent on and what has been achieved in terms of value for money," he added.
The Government Chief Whip, Ms Mary Hanafin, said she was keenly aware of the role Science Foundation Ireland was playing in transforming the economy into one where knowledge and innovation were key factors in creating progress.
"When our economy is transformed, we can hope to gain the full social and economic benefits from the development of information and communications technology," she added.
"There is a key link between the information society and Science Foundation Ireland. We are talking about new connections which challenge the traditional assumptions about what is and when it is possible."
She said the Bill was a significant step in developing the State's research competence. "The technology infrastructure the Government is building through SFI and other initiatives will hugely develop the innovative capacity of our country," she added.
