It is a common and longstanding feature of collective agreements that letters are issued to clarify points of understanding or agreement between sectoral management and unions. It can be helpful to both sides to have a written statement setting out the understanding of both sides as to how the text will apply in particular contexts and in particular situations. This is consistent with normal and longstanding industrial relations practice.
A number of such letters clarifying aspects of the proposals for a draft Public Service Agreement were issued to member unions of the Public Service Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) and by sectoral management as appropriate, in parallel with the main proposals published by the LRC. In addition, my Department has written to the Public Services Committee indicating my intentions concerning application of various measures to public service pensioners. No agreements have been made, ancillary or otherwise, since the completion of the LRC facilitated process, and the publication of the LRC proposals, nor are any further negotiations under consideration. The Government is satisfied that the LRC proposals will deliver the required €1bn savings in the pay and pensions bill over the lifetime of the Agreement. Achievement of this saving will not be impacted on by commitments given in any of the letters of clarification that have issued to the parties which have been brought to my attention.