Press release
Minister McGrath welcomes outcome to public service pay talks
From Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, has this morning (Tuesday) welcomed the completion of the review of Building Momentum and proposals issued by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to extend the current Public Service Agreement, Building Momentum.
These proposals would deliver a 12 month extension of the current framework until the end of 2023. Discussions have been taking place between Department of Public Expenditure and Reform officials and Public Service Unions and Associations following the triggering of the agreement’s review clause due to unforeseen increases in the cost in living in 2022.
Minister McGrath paid tribute to management officials, representatives of unions and associations and staff at the WRC, for their extensive work at the Commission.
Minister McGrath said:
“The backdrop to these negotiations on public service pay has been exceptionally challenging given the cost of living pressures affecting public servants and the rest of society, while at the same time the government is facing a highly uncertain international economic environment.
"The government’s objective from the outset has been to strike a fair deal for public servants that is also affordable and sustainable for taxpayers generally.
"I am satisfied that the proposal from the WRC meets this objective, and I will be recommending acceptance of this proposal to government.
"If the proposed agreement is ratified, it enables the government to move quickly to alleviate some of the impact of inflation on our public service workers, as well as securing industrial peace. Under the proposed agreement, the benefits for those on lower levels of pay will again be higher than the headline percentage increases.
"Given that the public sector pay bill accounts for one third of total current expenditure, the proposed agreement represents a vital piece of the jigsaw for Budget 2023. It also serves to protect public services at a time of significant global uncertainty.
"The public service has very recently demonstrated its ability to support the people of Ireland in difficult circumstances, and the continued delivery of quality public services will be key in the current climate.
"I respect the democratic process which will be undertaken by the unions to seek support from their members for these proposals.
"I would like to sincerely thank my own officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, union representatives, representatives of the staff associations, and staff at the WRC, for their extensive work in reaching this point."
In addition to the existing pay adjustments of 3% contained within Building Momentum, the following pay adjustments will apply:
| Benefit from Existing Deal | Benefit from Proposed Additional Measures | Total Benefit | |
| Headline Benefits | 3.00% | 6.50% | 9.50% |
| Benefit for Lower Paid (€27,500) | 4.70% | 7.80% | 12.50% |