Speaking this afternoon (Tuesday) following Cabinet, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, said: ‘The Government this morning, following a discussion on the Labour Court Recommendation issued last week and pay policy more broadly, reiterated its commitment to a collective approach to industrial relations and pay policy as the most effective means of delivering economic security and stability for our country’.
Minister Donohoe went on to say: ‘Our commitment to continuing with a collective approach to pay policy is heightened by the consequences of Labour Court Recommendation, which was issued in respect of An Garda Síochána last week, as well as by the external risks and challenges that may lie ahead’.
“The Government confirmed, this morning, its acceptance of the Labour Court Recommendation, coming, as it does, from the final arbitration body of the State, for which the Government has long-standing respect. The Recommendation, however, has far-reaching consequences, which will be dealt with collectively by Government and within existing budgetary allocations.
“Collective agreements deliver mutual benefits to the employer and employee. I value the work and commitment of our public servants but we must ensure any approach to pay restoration is within the parameters of what is available and affordable. This allows us to continue to improve services in the years ahead and proceed along the path of using a strong economy to build a fairer society. This must be fair to everyone; those who work in our public services and those who depend on them.
“Yesterday I met with the Public Service Committee of ICTU and today sees the first meeting of the Public Service Pay Commission getting underway. Government will continue, across the coming weeks, to work with all stakeholders to ensure the continuation of collective pay policy framework that meets the needs of our public servants and safeguards our economy into the future.”
Ends