asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to take the question of pay increases for higher civil servants out of the political arena.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Pay Increases.
36.
While the Government cannot surrender their liberty of action in the exercise of their constitutional authority and the discharge of their responsibilities in the public interest, it is their policy that the pay of higher civil servants, as well as other similar employees in the public sector, should be determined through negotiation or, failing agreement by negotiation, following recommendations made by an appropriate independent extra-Governmental body.