Public Sector Pay

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2024

Thursday, 11 April 2024

Questions (265)

Alan Kelly

Question:

265. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when it is intended to pay all employees in higher education institutions the recently agreed pay increase of 2.25% backdated to 1 January 2024; if he will ensure that sufficient funding is provided to HEIs to meet the increased pay costs; and if he will confirm that there will be no delay in paying the increased rate of pay at University College Cork and at TU Dublin despite the current financial difficulties being faced in these HEIs. [15881/24]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Patrick O'Donovan)

My officials issued notification to all of the Higher Education Institutions on April 4th 2024 to apply the revised rates of salary and allowances in accordance with the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026.

Higher Education Institutions in Ireland are autonomous and responsible for applying the terms of pay agreements as directed by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and this includes University College Cork and TU Dublin. The existence of a projected financial year deficit, in any institution, will not impact the timing of payment.

The new pay agreement was approved by Government on 13th February 2024 and ratified by the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 25th March. The provision of Higher Education funding on an annual basis is part of overall expenditure management and budgetary policy for Government. An initial provision for pay was allocated to this Department as part of the Revised Estimates 2024 process, while any additional funding required to address the pay increases will be sought as part of the annual Estimates process later this year.