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

As the Deputy is aware, A Programme for a Partnership Government committed the Government to establish a public service pay commission to examine pay levels across the public service. In line with this commitment, the Government agreed in principle in July last year to establish an independent advisory body to examine public service remuneration. This is always a complex matter involving, as it does, the State as employer, public service employees and, most important in many cases, the interests and needs of the public who support the funding of public services through taxation.

The terms of reference of the commission were finalised after an open consultation process. This work is well under way. While the terms of reference provided that the commission would be advisory in nature, we asked for a report initially in quarter 2 of this year. With regard to the work the commission is doing, for its initial report it was asked to provide inputs on how the unwinding of the financial emergency measures in the public interest legislation should proceed, having regard to the evolution of pay trends; a comparison of pay rates; international rates, where possible; and the state of the national finances. In line with its current mandate, the commission will have regard to the national finances. I also understand it has received submissions from a range of interested parties on various aspects of public service employment, including the issue of new entrants which the Deputy and his party have raised on a number of occasions.

The Government will continue to maintain the ability to negotiate directly with employees on pay. The commission's role will be to provide evidence that can provide a framework for the analysis of pay matters to provide the foundation for the approaching discussions. In answer to the Deputy's point, we did ask the commission to report in quarter 2, which means April, May or June. I understand the work is proceeding and that the commission will meet that deadline.

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