Vol. 518 No. 6
248 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in having claims, dating back to December 1995 and moneys due under Partnership 2000, paid to clerical grades in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. [12597/00]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that all pay increases due under Partnership 2000 have been paid to clerical grades in Revenue. The Deputy may, however, be referring to increases arising under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work.
On 31 October 1997, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners was advised of the agreement on the restructuring of grades represented by the Civil and Public Service Union which included clerical grades. The restructuring agreement is extremely complex. It provided, among other things, for basic pay increases, advancements/ upgradings for specified proportions of all grades represented by the CPSU, the creation of a new higher clerical officer pay scale and for the assignment of specified proportions of all clerical staff to this new scale. The agreement also provided for detailed local discussions with the CPSU regarding the arrangements for implementing certain aspects of the agreement.
Arrears of salary were paid in December 1997. In August 1998, following further discussions with the CPSU, the Department of Finance issued specific instructions to Departments, including Revenue, on the manner of advancement/ upgrading. Discussions took place with the local union representatives regarding the holding of competitions for such appointments and staff were notified of these arrangements in May 1999. As a result the appropriate advancements/upgradings have been made.
