Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 4

Written Answers. - Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

162 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation in relation to part-time workers under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness; the way in which increases are apportioned to them; if percentage increases are the same; and the way in which minimum payments are arrived at. [11941/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

I have no responsibility for the calculation of pay increases under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness for part-time employees generally.

The programme states that pay increases shall be calculated on the basis of phase 1, 5.5% of basic pay for the first 12 months of this agreement; phase 2, 5.5% of basic pay for the next 12 months; and Phase 3, 4% of basic pay for the next nine months.

It goes on to say that where the application of this formula would result in increases in basic pay for full-time adult employees of less than (i) £12 per week in the first phase; (ii) £11 per week in the second phase; and (iii) £9 per week in the third phase the appropriate percentage increase for these particular phases will be adjusted to these levels.

Finally, it states that these minima will apply on apro-rata basis to part-time employees unless existing agreements apply more favourable terms.

The programme ensures, therefore, that the same percentage increases will apply to part-time employees as to full-time employees and the minimum increases will apply to part-time employees on apro-rata basis.

I will be ensuring that in the area for which I have direct responsibility – the Civil Service – the terms of the programme will be applied to both full-time and part-time employees.