Haddington Road Agreement Review

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Questions (316)

Michael McGrath

Question:

316. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is an opportunity to review the lack of a definitive end date to the provision in the Haddington Road agreement whereby those working a 35 hour week are required to work an extra two hours per week without extra pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22832/14]

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Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In accordance with the terms of the Haddington Road agreement, the necessary changes in conditions of employment of civil and public servants have been put in place to increase the standard working hours for all public servants, with a net working week of less than 39 hours. Through its provisions, the Agreement is delivering an unprecedented and structural increase of almost 15 million additional working hours annually in the productivity of the Public Service. That productivity is contributing to the maintenance of our public services at a time of significant resource constraints and is a core enabler for a sustainable reduction in the cost of the public service paybill.