Austin Deasy
Ceist:53 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will quantify the number of jobs that could have been created in the public and private sectors if there were no wage and salary increases during that period.
Written Answers. - Public-Private Sector Jobs.
It would be difficult on my part even to attempt to put figures on what the Deputy is seeking. Sustainable employment is generated as a result of demand for products or services whether in the public or private sectors. Additional sustainable employment is not generated solely as a result of pay restraint — there are other factors involved, including non-pay costs and prices, productivity, technological developments, innovation and quality.
The centralised approach adopted towards pay since 1987 has been beneficial in terms of underpinning improved competitiveness and the generation and maintenance of employment. It has been advocated by the National Economic and Social Council and has the support of the social partners and the Government. In addition, the various agreements have allowed for the economic and commercial circumstances of individual firms, employments and industries to be taken into account in local negotiations for the application of centrally agreed pay increases.