Public Sector Pay

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Questions (366)

David Cullinane

Question:

366. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full cost of reverting to a single-tier pay structure across the public sector. [14620/16]

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Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

For the majority of public servants the issue of the difference in incremental salary scales between those public servants, who entered public service employment since 2011 and those who entered before that date was addressed with the relevant union interests under the provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA). There are, however, a number of areas across the public service where due to the decision by the then Government in 2012 to cease payment of certain outdated allowances to employees recruited after that time, differences remain. The estimated full year cost of resuming payment of those allowances is estimated at at least €38.5m, including €5m in Rent allowance (Garda, Firefighters, Prison Officers), €13.5m in Living Out Allowance (in respect of Non Consultant Hospital Doctors) and €20m in Qualification Allowances (Teachers).

I understand that agreement in principle has been reached within the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 with staff representatives of fire fighters in Local Authorities on the delivery of a comprehensive range of productivity measures related to reforms related to the strategically important Keeping Communities Safe Programme that will include addressing the issue of a single pay structure for firefighters.

Any further development on remuneration matters, including issues relating to more recently recruited public servants, will fall to be examined within the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement). Any proposals arising out of this process must be consistent with the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009-2015 (FEMPI), as well as costs being underpinned through the delivery of enhanced work place practices and productivity.