Vol. 493 No. 5
194 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in relation to the Garda pay dispute if he will provide information on the estimate for the 1998 contingency fund in view of the commitment made at the estimates meeting to provide it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16650/98]
There has been no change in the position in relation to the Garda dispute to that set out in my letter to the Deputy last week. Discussions with the Garda representative Association on a claim for a pay increase for members of the Garda Síochána under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work, though at an advanced stage, have not yet concluded. It is therefore not possible to determine the amount which will be required in 1998 to fund the pay increase.
However, I am informed by my colleague the Minister for Finance that, in common with all outstanding pay claims under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work, appropriate provision has been made by him in 1998 in the estimate for Vote 4, Office of the Minister for Finance — Increases in Remuneration and Pensions, in respect of the Garda Síochána pay claim.
The funding of the pay increase will be discussed further between my Department and the Department of Finance when agreement on the pay claim is finalised.
