Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2019
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he continues to strive towards a fair and equitable restoration of income throughout the public sector with a view to ensuring that the sacrifices made during the economic downturn by the various sectors are acknowledged and have their payment restored in accordance with the relevant criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6219/19]
View answer100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects the restoration of public sector pay to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6225/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 100 together.
The process of dismantling the Financial Emergency legislation commenced under the Lansdowne Road Agreement 2016-2018 and will be completed under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 (PSSA).
The PSSA, which was negotiated in 2017, and the provisions of which were statutorily provided for under the terms of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, allows for a continued, controlled unwinding of the financial emergency (FEMPI) legislation. The unwinding process is progressively weighted towards those at the lower levels of pay (who will see their salaries increase relative to 2008), and is implemented on a phased basis.
By end 2019 salary rates up to €50,000 will be fully restored. By end 2020 salary rates up to €70,000 (over 90% of the public service) will be fully restored.
For public servants who have not achieved full restoration of the FEMPI cuts by October 2020 (i.e. the date of the last PSSA increase), restoration of the amount must be completed by way of Ministerial order. This order must be made on the following dates:
For those with a post-PSSA salary of under €150,000:
- Covered public servants: a date after 1 October 2020 but before 1 July 2021.
- Non-covered public servants: on 1 July 2021.
For those with a post-PSSA salary in excess of €150,000:
- Covered public servants: a date after 1 October 2020 but before 1 July 2022.
- Non-covered public servants: a date after 1 July 2021 but before 1 July 2022.
