Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount he will pay in public sector pay and pensions in 2016 as compared with 2014 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45914/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The estimates for 2016 for gross Exchequer Public Service pay and pensions are €15.4 billion and €2.9 billion respectively, as set out in the Revised Estimates Volume 2016, due to be published shortly. This volume also will show estimates of €15.2 billion for pay, and €2.9 billion of pensions, for 2015. In respect of 2014, the outturns were €14.7 billion for pay, and €3.0 billion for pensions.

The increased allocations for pay for 2015 and 2016 reflect the allocation of additional resources to the Public Service, following on the end of the Moratorium introduced in 2009. In particular, for 2015, provision was made for additional front-line services, including more teachers, Special Needs Assistants and resources teachers, more Gardaí and more health service professionals in the Health Sector.  There will be further staffing increases in 2016, including an additional 2,260 teachers, up to 600 new Gardaí, and additional staff in the Health Sector and in Tusla, the Child and Family Agency - as announced at Budget time in October.