Public Sector Pay

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Ceisteanna (510)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

510. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to his comments at the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight, if he will confirm that the structure of the public pay deal that had been offered would have included a further 2.5% increase in 2022 on top of existing agreements and a similar 2.5% increase in 2023; the additional costs of that would be by year and if it would be approximately €625 million before pension entitlements; the expected costs by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41637/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The current public service agreement, Building Momentum, is a two year Agreement and runs to the end of 2022. The Agreement provides for pay increases of 3% but is weighted towards those at lower incomes with headline increases of approximately 5% for the lowest paid public servants. Such cohorts also benefit more from other measures in the Agreement including the overtime rates and premia payment adjustments.

On 14 March last ICTU advised the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform of their intention to seek a review of Building Momentum in accordance with Section 5.7 of the Agreement which states:

“The parties affirm that public service pay and pensions and any related issues shall not be revisited over the lifetime of this Agreement, save where the assumptions underlying this Agreement need to be revisited. In such circumstances, the parties commit to prior engagement.”

Formal talks between the parties began on Monday 13th June, facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission. Given the confidential nature of the process it would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics relating to the talks.