Local Authority Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004

Wednesday, 30 June 2004

Questions (214)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

277 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities which have not yet paid wage increases under the first phase of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to their workers; the action he is taking to ensure that undertakings under the programme are fulfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19633/04]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

Pay increases under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness were payable on 1 October 2000, 1 October 2001 and 1 October 2002. Payment of the final phase increase was conditional on specific modernisation objectives being achieved and verified independently. To this end, a quality assurance group was established for the local government sector to assess the objectives set and verify progress in implementing those objectives. The quality assurance group confirmed that the level of progress during the period warranted payment of the final phase increase.

My Department is not aware of any local authority which has not paid these increases.