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

On 18 October at the conclusion of a period of consultation with stakeholders in the Lansdowne Road agreement, the Government approved the establishment of the PSPC to advise it on public service pay. For its initial report, the commission will be asked to consider the evolution of pay trends in the public and private sectors based on published data and a comparison of pay rates for identifiable groups within the public service with prevailing non-public sector market rates and international rates, having due regard to the national finances.

In reaching its findings, the commission should also have regard to the superannuation and other benefits applying in the public service; security of tenure where it applies; pay comparisons taking account of relevant characteristics; the reform agenda; evidence on recruitment and retention within the public service; other relevant matters, including impact on national competitiveness and the sustainability of the national finances; and any other issue determined by the Government. The PSPC is due to publish its first report in the second quarter of next year.

Details of the PSPC's budget will be set out soon in the Revised Estimates Volume and will fall under the Vote for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. While the commission will provide valuable inputs into the negotiation process, the Government and representatives of employees will retain their right to negotiate directly with one another. Having met the commission on Monday, I am even more certain of the valuable work that it will do.

See this speech in context