I am advised by Revenue that the rationalisation and integration of General Service and Departmental Taxes grading structures in Revenue followed an extensive industrial relations negotiation and communications process more than 18 years ago, in the lead-up to Integration Day on 1 January 2003.
Revenue has informed me that the final integration proposal offer was published on RevNet, Revenue’s intranet, and was sent by email to all staff, in a period throughout which Revenue engaged in very extensive communications with staff and their representatives. Revenue does not hold postal or telephone records in this matter dating back to 2002/2003. Revenue has agreed to forward a copy of the letter to the Deputy.
The final proposal was balloted and agreed by all Trade Unions representing Revenue staff members and I am advised by Revenue that under the terms of the Integration Agreement, Officers who were on a Career Break or similar initiatives, on 1 January 2003 are not eligible to receive the Annual Personal to Holder (APTH) payment. This is because they were not serving in Revenue on 1 January 2003 (Integration Day), the designated date by reference to which eligibility for payment of the APTH was determined.
The terms of the Integration Agreement are very clear as regards eligibility and there is no provision for payment of the APTH other than under the terms of the Integration Agreement.
