Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the largest single back pay payment that was made as a consequence of the pay rises provided for in the report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2277/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount that has been paid in back pay to public servants granted pay rises as a consequence of the recent report of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector; the period for which this back pay applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2278/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.

The increases recommended by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration are to be implemented on the following phased basis:

(a)5% from 14 September 2007, the date of the Report, or where the total increase is less than 5%, the full increase from that date;

(b) half the balance from 1 September 2008; and

(c) the remaining balance from 1 March 2009.

In relation to political Office Holders the phasing has been deferred by a year as follows:

(a) 4% from 1 September 2008;

(b) half the balance from 1 September 2009; and,

(c) the remaining balance from 1 September 2010.

Each relevant employer implements the increases to those grades under its remit covered by the Review Body. The amount of "back pay" depends on the date the payments are actually made. I do not have the information on the payment date for each such employer but based on the phasing, 5% of the recommended increase would be payable from 14 September 2007, except in the case of political office holders.