Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
236. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address an issue raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) concerning an issue of salary scales. [19297/14]
View answerThe process of setting of pay rates for individual grades across very different sectors of the Public Service is a complex exercise based on a variety of factors including qualifications, experience, skills, expertise, responsibility and work environment of the grades concerned. In addition, the effect of collective bargaining in certain sectors, the outcome of pay review exercises undertaken by independent bodies from time to time and, not least, the pay rate reductions done as part of the fiscal consolidation over the period 2009 to 2013 have added to the complexity of rates of pay in the public service, particularly for new entrants. Pay rates sanctioned by my Department across the public service are set, having regard to the contexts set out above, at a level of pay that is considered necessary to attract the necessary skills to particular roles, having regard to the rates of pay available by other employers, while being affordable to the Exchequer, and no distinction is made between persons from a public or private sector background.
