Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013
133. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on his role and that of his Department in the recent Croke Park negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13595/13]
View answerIn December of last year, acting on behalf of Government, I extended an invitation to the members of the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to enter discussions with public service management on a new agenda for reductions in the cost of delivery public services and substantial longer term productivity improvements and workplace reforms. The objective of these discussions was to secure agreement on measures to deliver savings of €1bn in the pay and pensions bill by 2016.
These discussions took place between public service management, which were led by senior officials from my Department, and representatives of the various relevant public service trade unions. The talks were facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission.
Throughout the negotiation process, I was regularly briefed by my officials and on 25th February last, I attended a plenary meeting with the parties to the discussions, at which the Labour Relations Commission tabled proposals for a draft Agreement.
The proposals have been the subject of consideration by the public service trade unions and their members over recent weeks and an outcome to that process is expected shortly.
