Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Pay issues for public servants are currently determined within the constraints set by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest, FEMPI, Acts of 2009 to 2015 while the industrial relations environment is managed under the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018, the Lansdowne Road agreement. The programme for Government contains a strong commitment to the Lansdowne Road agreement. This gives a framework for the next few years for the Government's proposals for ongoing public service reform as well as setting out an agreed pathway to pay restoration for public servants that is affordable to taxpayers.

I believe the agreement is 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 fit for purpose. This policy also facilities the allocation of existing staff resources by the Government to essential front-line services to enhance service delivery and support existing public servants in the delivery of those services.

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