Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Public Service Pay.

Michael Noonan

Question:

7 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the Government intends to meet fully the commitments under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress in respect of public service pay in 1993; if he will give details of these arrangements and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

Details of the outstanding pay increases due to public servants under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, including the dates on which they are due, are set out in my statement of 17 January 1992, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Under the terms of the package on public service pay set out in my statement, the ceiling of £5 per week on the general round increase of £3 per cent subject to a minimum of £4.25 per week, payable in 1992, is due to be lifted with effect from 1 December 1992. A general round increase of 3.75 per cent subject to a minimum increase of £5.75 per week and a ceiling of £6.50 per week is due to be paid with effect from 1 January 1993, with a ceiling of £6.50 per week due to be lifted on 1 December 1993.

In relation to the outstanding phases of special increases due for implementation under the terms of the Pay Agreement negotiated under the programme for National Recovery, and confirmed under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, these are due to be implemented with effect from 1 December 1992 with full retrospection to due dates payable in January 1993.

The main groups due the outstanding phases of special pay increases are gardaí, teachers, nurses, paramedical grades and junior hospital doctors in the health services, prison officers and principals and assistant principals in the civil services and related grades, including third level lecturing grades.

The issues raised in the Deputy's question have very significant implications for the 1993 Estimates and will be considered by the Government in that context. I hope that the Government will be in a position to make a statement on this question shortly.