Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 1

Written Answers. - New National Programme Negotiations.

Mary Harney

Ceist:

27 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Finance if the Government is committed to concluding a central wage bargaining agreement in succession to the Programme for Economic and Social Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

35 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Finance the main terms of the pay agreement reached with trade unions in respect of private sector workers and public sector employees.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 35 together.

Negotiations between the social partners on a new national programme as a successor to theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress, including arrangements for pay for the period of the programme, are still in progress. As final agreement has not yet been reached on the main terms of the pay arrangements, it is not possible for me to comment further at this stage.

The Government places great importance on a successful outcome to these discussions.