Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That was the criticism that attended the first benchmarking process where we were initiating a process and seeking to provide confidence in the system, but the second benchmarking process was more transparent regarding its terms of reference and information on comparators. The report confirms that; it was a learning exercise in that respect. The purpose was always that the public service would not lead wage trends in the private sector but, instead, follow them. The ongoing discussions with the unions in respect of this is on the basis of the new economic and financial realities we are facing. I have acknowledged the fact that during the year the Government had to take decisions involving a pension levy of approximately 6.9% from the overall pay of public servants towards public service pensions provision in the future. That has been acknowledged but in 2010 a particular will arise, which must be dealt with. We are in bona fide discussions with staff representatives on that issue.

The Deputy mentioned the strike. I am disappointed there is any strike. While one is in discussions with people, it is far better to conduct the discussions and it will not be any different in respect of what the issues are tomorrow no more than it was yesterday or today or any other day. It is necessary to focus on the specifics of the issue in front of us to see if it is possible to find a basis of any agreement that addresses both the short-term issue and also provides a means by which an accelerated change programme would be the feature of the coming years in order that we can implement the transforming public services agenda, which provides a good and detailed context in which such discussions could take place.

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