Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government contains a very strong commitment in the Lansdowne Road agreement and I confirm that will be implemented fully as will the Haddington Road agreement. That gives a good framework for the next few years for the Government's proposals for a continuation of public service reform as well as setting out an agreed pathway to pay restoration for public servants that is affordable to taxpayers. It is also important to respect the fact that the overwhelming majority of public servants have committed to working within that framework and have made very considerable sacrifices in the interest of restoring the fiscal health of the country. This has been confirmed, as Deputy Howlin is aware, by his successor, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in his recent meeting with representatives of the public service trade unions and it is now the basis for all engagements between Ministers and the bodies representing staff in their particular sectors.

The Government is committed to achieving its programme on a sustainable fiscal basis. Having certainty over the next few years on the question of the pay bill is of absolutely critical importance to the future work of the Government, which is underpinned by an affordable public pay bill. It will allow for the funding of some necessary staff increases to meet needs in critical areas of the public service. The agreements have to be, and will be, implemented in their entirety, as the best way forward to meeting the needs of our public service in terms of pay policy while also continuing to reform work practices and deliver a public service that is held up as a model for others.

The Government would like to encourage those who have not yet signed up to the Lansdowne Road agreement to give their consideration to it. These are difficult choices and difficult circumstances. I know some of the unions have made their voting intentions clear. I want to emphasise to Deputy Howlin that there is no desire on the part of the Government to be at odds with its employees on this issue and Deputy Howlin is well aware that the Government has fully funded the commitments made under the Lansdowne Road agreement. However, I do wish to emphasise that the Government intends to keep faith with the overwhelming majority of public servants who have committed to working within that framework and who have made considerable sacrifices in restoring the economic health of the country.

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