Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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45. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures he will take to address pay inequality in the public service and in particular the two-tier system that has developed in which newer entrants earn considerably less than their longer-serving colleagues; the time frame for such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12597/16]

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 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). Such arrangements will of course require compliance with provisions of the Lansdowne Road Agreement on the part of the staff interests. It will also of course have to comply with the terms of the Financial Emergency in the Public Interest Acts 2009 - 2013 (FEMPI), as well as its affordability being underpinned through delivering enhanced work place practices and productivity.

Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement the process of restoring public pay is commencing. An important feature of this is the flat rate increase which is being implemented. This is proportionately more valuable to those early in their careers.

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.