Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 6

Written Answers. - Wage Increases.

Frank Crowley

Ceist:

23 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the concerns, if any, he has regarding the application of the same wage increase in both the fast growing modern sectors and the vulnerable traditional sectors of the economy.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

Consensus on responsible income developments at national level, and the degree of certainty this produces for business, within the framework of sound macroeconomic policies, plays a vital role in achieving competitiveness and employment growth. This approach has been advocated by the National Economic and Social Council and has the support of the social partners and the Government.

The pay increases provided for in the draft Agreement on Pay, Conditions of Employment and Co-operation at the Level of the Enterprise, appended to theProgramme for Competitiveness and Work, are moderate and are in line with projected inflation levels over the next three years. While the pay increases were negotiated centrally, the draft agreement provides that their application shall be negotiated through the normal industrial relations machinery, due regard being had to the economic and commercial circumstances of particular firms, employments or industries. Local negotiations about pay can, therefore, be sensitive to the needs of businesses, whatever sector of the economy is involved.