I 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.