Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are well on the way towards the full rewinding of FEMPI at this stage. Back in October, we had the full unwinding, for example, for all of those earning up to €70,000. There is what is called the long tail of FEMPI for the higher earners. In July of this year, there will be the unwinding of FEMPI for those between €70,000 and €150,000. In 2022, there will be the unwinding of the remaining tail of FEMPI for those earning above that figure.

That is set out in legislation. That is not a decision that I have made. In approaching the issue, I sought legal advice and engaged directly with the Attorney General. His advice to me on those issues was clear, namely, it would not have been possible to seek to extend those dates further.

In addition to that, the way we have designed the public service pay deal, which is being balloted, is that people at the higher end who will benefit from FEMPI restoration either this year or next year will not get the pay increases provided for under the agreement for those years in question.