Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
209. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if clarification will be provided on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7057/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere was no subsistence payment of €238 per week for OPW workers on Skellig Michael.
While cost increasing claims are precluded under the Public Service Pay Agreement "Building Momentum" over the lifetime of the Agreement, the OPW are currently engaged in discussions with colleagues in the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on a subsistence issue relating to workers on Skellig Michael. All parties acknowledge that there are unique features associated with being assigned to work on Skellig Michael. Accordingly, an appropriate means of addressing this issue, within the parameters of the travel and subsistence regulations, is being actively considered with a view to developing an agreed solution with OPW staff, Unions and Management before OPW staff begin the season on Skellig Michael in April of this year. Given that the matter will be the subject of further negotiations with unions and OPW staff in the coming weeks, the deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.
