As the Deputy is aware the Benchmarking Body is an independent body set up to carry out a detailed evaluation of the pay and jobs of certain grades in the public service in accordance with its terms of reference. The Body reported in January 2008.
As part of its work the Body invited submissions from directly interested parties and from the general public. The Associations representing Other Ranks (PDFORRA) and Officers (RACO) both made written and verbal submissions in this regard.
The Minister is aware of the general disappointment expressed by Public Service trade unions/associations in relation to findings of the Body. The Deputy will be aware that personnel represented by PDFORRA have benefited in full under national pay agreements including Towards 2016.
It is of course open to PDFORRA subject to the terms and conditions of Benchmarking, the partnership agreement Towards 2016 and the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme to avail of the mechanisms in place should the Association want to pursue any particular concerns in relation to the rates of pay of its members.