Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2019
21. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans in respect of outstanding public sector pay restoration; his further plans for public sector dialogue between workers, trade unions and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18022/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe process of unwinding the Financial Emergency (FEMPI) legislation commenced under the Lansdowne Road Agreement 2016-2018 and will be completed under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 (PSSA).
The PSSA, which was negotiated in 2017, and the provisions of which were statutorily provided for under the terms of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, allows for a continued, controlled unwinding of the FEMPI legislation. The unwinding process is progressively weighted towards those at the lower levels of pay (who will see their salaries increase relative to 2008), and is implemented on a phased basis.
By end 2019 salary rates up to €50,000 will be fully restored. By end 2020 salary rates up to €70,000 (over 90% of the public service) will be fully restored.
For public servants who have not achieved full restoration of the FEMPI reductions by October 2020 (i.e. the date of the last PSSA increase), restoration of the amount must be completed by way of Ministerial order. This order must be made on the following dates:
For those with a post-PSSA salary of under €150,000:
- Covered public servants: a date after 1 October 2020 but before 1 July 2021.
- Non-covered public servants: on 1 July 2021.
For those with a post-PSSA salary in excess of €150,000:
- Covered public servants: a date after 1 October 2020 but before 1 July 2022.
- Non-covered public servants: a date after 1 July 2021 but before 1 July 2022.
Officials of my Department are in regular, ongoing, contact with trade unions and staff representatives in relation to Industrial Relations matters including through the auspices of the Oversight Body of the Public Service Stability Agreement.
