Edward Nealon
Question:87 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Finance the present position in regard to the introduction of merit pay in any form in the Civil Service; and if he will outline his further proposals in this regard.
Written Answers. - Civil Service Merit Pay.
A merit pay system for assistant secretaries, as recommended by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector in Report No. 30, was introduced with effect from 1 January 1990. The main feature of the new arrangements is that assistant secretaries progress, by varying amounts, along a pay range strictly by reference to the outcome of annual assessment of performance against pre-set objectives. Hitherto progression was by way of fixed increments on a pay scale.
The question of extending merit pay to other management grades in the civil service is under consideration. In principle, I would be in favour of such a development. Any proposals in this regard would be the subject of discussions with the relevant staff associations.