Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2016
9. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussion he has had with representatives of employers and trade unions in respect of the issues arising from proposed strikes in the public service. [33717/16]
View answer34. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the provisions he will put in place for engagement with the trade unions in view of recent pay restorations. [36578/16]
View answer36. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will engage with trade unions on public sector pay proposals; and the engagement that has taken place to date. [36577/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 34 and 36 together.
In the context of the Labour Court Recommendations on Garda pay, and the potential wider implications for the Lansdowne Road Agreement, I met with representatives from ICTU on the 7th of November to listen to their views and inform considerations on these matters by Government.
Senior officials within my Department also met with the Public Services Committee of ICTU on 15th November last where both sides reiterated their commitment to a continued collective approach to public service pay issues. It was also agreed that issues relating to the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement could be dealt with by the parties under the the relevant provisions of the Lansdowne Road Agreement. Both parties agreed to remain in ongoing contact on the issues raised over the coming weeks.
Officials from my Department also maintain regular formal and informal contact with other relevant Government Departments and public service employers in relation industrial relations issues in the public service.
The Government will continue, across the coming weeks, to work with all stakeholders to ensure the continuation of a collective pay policy framework that meets the needs of our public servants, provides stability, and safeguards our economy into the future.
