Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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152. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, when and how he will address unequal pay in the public service, that is, the two-tier pay system whereby new entrants are paid less than older colleagues. [10975/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The issue of addressing the difference in incremental salary scales between those public servants, who entered public service employment since 2011 and those who entered before that date was addressed with the relevant union interests under the provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA). Any further consideration of remuneration adjustment for any group of public servants, including issues relating to more recently recruited public servants, will fall to be examined within the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013 -2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement).  It will also of course have to comply with the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 - 2015 (FEMPI), as well as its affordability being underpinned through delivering enhanced work place practices and productivity.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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153. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will establish the public service pay commission; and when it will report. [10976/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government contains a strong commitment to fully implement the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) in accordance with the terms and timelines agreed with staff representatives.  This sets out the framework and agreed pathway for pay restoration to 2018 for public servants that is affordable and achievable on a fiscally sustainable basis. 

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government also states that Government will establish a Public Service Pay Commission to examine pay levels across the public service.  The precise structure of such a commission and the technical aspects as to how it would operate have yet to be decided upon and would require broad consultation, including engagement with staff representatives as was committed to in the Lansdowne Road Agreement.  My officials have begun to review international best practice in respect of public service pay determination models.  This will help frame the Government's thinking on how to establish a fair, transparent and accountable process for determining public service pay, taking into account the views of all stakeholders.