Charlie McCreevy
Question:15 Mr. McCreevy asked the Taoiseach the progress, if any, being made in relation to talks with employers and union representatives on a potential successor to the Programme for Competitiveness and Work. [24153/96]
Written Answers. - New National Programme.
Discussions are continuing with employers and unions as well as a range of other organisations on a successor to the Programme for Competitiveness and Work.
The talks have been intensive and constructive. A basis for agreement on the terms of a private sector pay deal has been identified, covering a period of 39 months. Discussions are continuing on the terms of a pay agreement for the public service. Discussions are also continuing on a range of issues to be addressed in a new programme, including jobs and enterprise, taxation, social inclusion, equality, modernising the public service and developing social partnership at firm level. Sufficient progress has been made so far that I believe a consensus based programme can be agreed.
It is a relatively few weeks since the process was launched and I am very satisfied with the progress made in that time.