asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will make a statement on his proposals in relation to merit pay.
Written Answers. - Merit Pay.
19.
A scheme for the implementation of merit pay in the Civil Service, on the basis set out in paragraph 4.5 of the White Paper on the Public Service, is being prepared by my Department in consultation with the other Departments. As indicated in the White Paper, awards will be made to not more than 10 per cent of the staff in any grade or Department and then only in accordance with rigorous standards. Awards will be within a range of 5 to 10 per cent of annual salary. Merit pay is one of the items in the White Paper which will require consultation with the unions. Because of this it would not be appropriate for me to give further details at present.