Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 4

Written Answers. - Public Pay.

Martin Cullen

Question:

57 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Finance the progress, if any, that has been made between the Government and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on reforming the system of public pay determination and related industrial relations machinery; and if an agreement will be concluded by 31 October 1993 as indicated earlier in 1993.

Jim Higgins

Question:

62 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to change the existing civil service conciliation and arbitration scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ivan Yates

Question:

76 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance the progress, if any, which has been made in relation to discussions on reform of the system of special pay increases in the public service arising out of the conciliation and arbitration process; and the Government's position in any such talks with the social partners.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 62, 76 together.

In my Budget Statement I pointed out that the Government were totally committed to change in the public service pay determination systems. I also indicated that it was our intention to press forward, in 1993, through discussions with the public service unions, with the introduction of a new system which would be more transparent and operate on assessment criteria which, while being fair to staff, would be responsive to the interests of the Government and the community as taxpayers. This would involve changes to the existing civil service conciliation and arbitration scheme.

The understanding in relation to public service pay reached with representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 4 June acknowledges the commitment of the Government and the Congress to bringing discussions on the public service pay determination and industrial relations machinery to an agreed conclusion by 31 October 1993.

A number of discussions between representatives of the civil service unions and officials of my Department on a review of the civil service conciliation and arbitration scheme have already taken place and these will continue through October. The aim still is that these discussions will reach finality by the end of October.