Written answers

Wednesday, 23 January 2013

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Sector Remuneration

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action he will take to ensure that the principle of equal pay for equal work in public sector pay is not undermined. [3080/13]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether the public service is experiencing difficulties in intra staff relations and service delivery arising from the reduced pay scales that have been imposed on new recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2814/13]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 46 together.

The reduction by 10% of the salary scale and fixed allowances for new entry grades to the public service was implemented by the previous government with effect from 1 January 2011 and remains in place. The stated purpose of the measure was to achieve a medium term structural reduction in the pay bill cost of the public service, and as a contribution towards improving Ireland’s competitiveness. The measure also had regard to the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (Croke Park Agreement) which provides for no further reduction to the rate of pay of serving public servants.

The application of reduced scales contributes to the necessary sustainable reduction in the public service pay bill required in a period where pressure on the public purse and the need for cost reduction and containment measures is unprecedented. While recruitment to the public service is limited, the available evidence from recent recruitment campaigns indicates that employment in the public service continues generally to attract large numbers of well qualified applicants while there have been no reported difficulties in intra staff relations or service delivery.

Discussions are currently underway between public service employers and the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in relation to an extension of the Public Service Agreement with the stated intention to reach agreement on securing overall savings of an additional €1 billion from the public service pay bill by 2015. Pay rates for all employees including those subject to the 10% reduction will form part of those discussions.

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