Phil Hogan
Ceist:251 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance his views on any implication for employment and competitiveness arising from the implementation of the report on benchmarking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4601/03]
Written Answers. - Public Service Benchmarking.
The Public Service Benchmarking Body was established as an independent body in July 2000 under the terms of the PPF to examine public service pay and jobs by comparison with the private sector. The body reported in July 2002. Under the terms of reference, the body was requested to have regard to "the need to underpin Ireland's competitiveness and develop our economic prosperity on a sustainable basis".
The implementation of the body's report is a central feature of the new programme "Sustaining Progress" which is currently being considered by the unions and employers. Under that agreement the payment of the pay increases in the public service is clearly dependent on industrial peace, co-operation with ongoing change and the achievement of certain objectives. This will improve the delivery of services to the public. The new programme will underpin Ireland's competitiveness and help safeguard employment. I do not see that the implementation of the body's report in the context of a new agreement, if ratified, would be contrary to these objectives.