In recent weeks, extremely difficult and complex discussions have taken place between public service management and public service staff representatives seeking agreement on a series of measures that will secure an additional €1 billion saving from the public service pay and pensions bill by 2015. These discussions concluded on Monday February 25th, with proposals being put forward by the Labour Relations Commission on a draft Agreement.
The convention has been that in tandem with discussions between the Government as employer and the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) as representing public service staff on national agreements, a parallel process of discussions takes place with the staff representative associations in the defence sector and in An Garda Síochána respectively. Regrettably, the Garda associations chose to leave the discussions on this occasion.
The draft proposals from the Labour Relations Commission are now being considered by public service trade unions affiliated to the ICTU and other staff associations. It is only fair that trade unions and associations and their members have time to consider the proposals. The outcome of that process will emerge in due course. The draft proposals reaffirm paragraphs 1.23 to 1.27 of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (the Croke Park Agreement) and I have no current plans regarding paragraph 1.28.
The Conciliation and Arbitration schemes remain in place. Following the Review of Public Service Allowances and Premium Payments, a decision was taken by Government to make a number of changes to the public service allowance regime, including changes to certain Garda Síochána allowances. The follow up to the Review of Public Service Allowances and Premium Payments is, as set out in the new Agreement, to continue.
