Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 9, inclusive, together.

The projected cost of the implementation of the recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Service to my Department is €115,099 for 2008. This includes costs in respect of departmental staff and special advisers in my Department. These costings are supplied in the following table.

The first phase of the increases recommended for the pubic service under the report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the public sector has been implemented since September 2007. The Government has decided that all the pending increases for ministerial and parliamentary office holders and for other senior public servants recommended by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Service will not be implemented. The issue will be reviewed in September 2010 but without commitment at this stage to the outcome.

Excludes any general round increases awarded to staff during the period.

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