Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 183: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the CPSU's decision to recommend to its members the rejection of the methodology behind benchmarking, after the union's members failed to receive pay increases in 2008. [1735/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I should point out that the current public service pay agreement under Towards 2016 provides for two pay increases for the public service in 2008 subject to the Performance Verification process, a 2.5% increase with effect from 1 March 2008 and a further 2.5% increase with effect from 1 September 2008.

I am aware that the CPSU is conducting a ballot on the benchmarking process and that the Executive Committee has recommended that the methodology adopted by the Benchmarking Body be rejected.

The public service pay agreement under Towards 2016 provides that there would be no cost increasing claims by trade unions other than the general rounds provided for by paragraph 27.17 and any possible benchmarking increases under paragraph 27.20. All increases due under the agreement have been paid to date.

I consider that the CPSU as a constituent union of the ICTU was a party to the terms of reference agreed for the Benchmarking Body. Towards 2016 provides that the outcome of the benchmarking process will be discussed by the parties in the context of discussions on whatever arrangements on pay and conditions are to be put in place on the expiry of the current public service pay agreement.

It is reasonable for the Government to expect all public service unions to adhere to the terms of the agreements which have been reached.