Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have said I want to see the first quarter figures, which I will have at the end of March or early April. I hope to have the initial scoping discussions with the public sector unions in April. I do not know whether a formal pay claim will be lodged before it. I have indicated that I want to do it face up with the public sector unions, as I approached the Haddington Road agreement, so they will know where I am coming from. As I indicated to Deputy Fleming, I hope to have the discussions completed and balloted in good time for us to incorporate allocations for whatever is agreed in the 2016 budget line, given that the Haddington Road agreement runs out in 2016. As the Deputy knows, the Haddington Road agreement cut pay only for those earning more than €65,000. The vast bulk of public servants who earn less than this did not have their salaries cut, although many regard the request for an additional two hours of work as a pay cut. I was anxious to keep money in their pockets in so far as possible.

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