John Perry
Question:51 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance when talks will commence with the social partners to negotiate a successor agreement to Partnership 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13823/99]
Written Answers. - National Agreements.
As the Deputy is probably aware, the national economic and social council as requested by the Taoiseach, is preparing a strategy report which will form the basis for a new agreement. Work on that report is well advanced and will be completed by the autumn.
In addition, my Department has been involved with other public service employers in discussions with the public services committee of ICTU on a range of issues including the pay determination system in the public service and, in particular, in that context, how pay might be aligned more closely with performance.
At this stage it is envisaged that substantive negotiations on a successor to Partnership 2000 will get under way in the autumn.