John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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245. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if public servants on the new personal pension contribution salary scale will be considered for pay restoration and increases, in the event of discussions with unions on pay increases. [5619/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There are two measures which currently underpin public service pay and pensions policy: the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts (or FEMPI) and the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA).  The nature of the Financial Emergency Measures legislation is that the powers granted by the Oireachtas under the legislation are temporary in nature and are predicated on the continuing financial emergency in the State.  The HRA is due to last for three years from 1 July 2013 and, in the Government's view, sets the parameters for pay policy in the public service for that period.

The public service unions have indicated their intention, should the State's financial circumstances permit, to lodge a pay claim.  If such a claim is made the Government will of course have to consider it, in line with the prevailing fiscal position.  Any ensuing discussions will encompass all public servants across all salary scales, including those paying a personal pension contribution which has been required of public servants appointed since the mid-1990s.  The legal position concerning the financial emergency legislation, which has underpinned the public service pay and pension reductions to date, will also have to be addressed in that context while ensuring that this country has a sustainable pay arrangement over the longer term.