Written answers

Thursday, 23 September 2021

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Richard Boyd BarrettRichard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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214. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the practical measures he will make to reward essential workers for the contribution they made to the fight against Covid-19; if these measures will include raising the minimum wage to €15 per hour, a four day working week, more public holidays and statutory holiday entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43776/21]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he has examined ways and means to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of front-line workers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; the options available to him in his Department to reward to such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45873/21]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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228. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the nature of any reforms proposed to ensure equity and reward throughout the public sector in line with requirements in the aftermath of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45877/21]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 224 and 228 together.

The Government acknowledges the contribution of our frontline workers and all workers across the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The value of the contribution made by our frontline workers across the economy cannot be overstated. Their hard work and sacrifice has been crucial to getting the country through this pandemic and the Government is committed to recognising those efforts.

Working together has been a key element of the Government’s approach to the pandemic to date, and this should form part of any approach to recognition also. It is important that in deciding on our approach to recognition, we recognise the contribution of workers across the public and private sector. The Government must consider the whole of the economy in its deliberations on this matter.

There are a number of issues that I will be considering and will be discussing with my Government colleagues in relation to recognition. In addition to the breathe of recognition, the timing and service delivery impact of any approach must be taken into account. I wish to assure the deputy that this issue is a priority for the Government and will be addressed in the near future.

In addressing the specific measures raised by the Deputy, matters such as the minimum wage, public holidays and statutory holiday entitlements are not within the remit of my Department. As noted, the Government will consider options to recognise essential workers and as such I cannot commit to specific measures at this time until the Government has had an opportunity to discuss these complex issues. I have addressed the matter of a four day week previously, noting that in light of the large potential costs and disruption to critical services I do not believe that it is the right time to consider a transition to a four day week for the public service.

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