Menu
03/12/2009
Government To Discuss Unpaid Leave Deal
Fianna Fáil backbenchers are expressing disquiet over the proposed pay deal hammered out with public sector unions that involves unpaid leave.
A meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is to take place today to discuss the move which could see staff across the public sector taking 12 days unpaid leave to ease the public sector pay burden.
With less than a week to go before the Budget, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan is expected to brief deputies and senators on progress in the ongoing negotiations between the Government and the unions on the issue.
Howver, despite being entangled in the pay deal negotiations, Congress General Secretary David Begg said today that to pull Ireland out of recession the Government must choose between continued deference to the very wealthy or genuine support for low to middle income earners and the vulnerable.
Speaking at the launch of the Congress pre-Budget Submission, Mr Begg said new taxes on wealth could “generate substantial new resources for the state. We no longer have the luxury of maintaining the fiction that all the wealth in this country has suddenly evaporated. It has not and, in the interests of wider society, it must be pursued and taxed.
"Our own figures show there is real scope for raising substantial sums in this area – perhaps as much as €2.3 billion in 2010 and more in the years ahead.
"We're talking about a new top rate for high earners, a new rate of minimum tax for the wealthy, pursuing tax exiles and raising Capital Gains. These are just a few examples from a range of options we have compiled."
(DW/BMcC)
A meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is to take place today to discuss the move which could see staff across the public sector taking 12 days unpaid leave to ease the public sector pay burden.
With less than a week to go before the Budget, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan is expected to brief deputies and senators on progress in the ongoing negotiations between the Government and the unions on the issue.
Howver, despite being entangled in the pay deal negotiations, Congress General Secretary David Begg said today that to pull Ireland out of recession the Government must choose between continued deference to the very wealthy or genuine support for low to middle income earners and the vulnerable.
Speaking at the launch of the Congress pre-Budget Submission, Mr Begg said new taxes on wealth could “generate substantial new resources for the state. We no longer have the luxury of maintaining the fiction that all the wealth in this country has suddenly evaporated. It has not and, in the interests of wider society, it must be pursued and taxed.
"Our own figures show there is real scope for raising substantial sums in this area – perhaps as much as €2.3 billion in 2010 and more in the years ahead.
"We're talking about a new top rate for high earners, a new rate of minimum tax for the wealthy, pursuing tax exiles and raising Capital Gains. These are just a few examples from a range of options we have compiled."
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 April 2010
Silent TUI Greets Coughlan Address
The Tanaiste has been greeted by an eerie silence at the Teachers' Union of Ireland conference today during her address on the new public sector pay deal. Minister for Education Mary Coughlan told delegates in Ennis today that without economic recovery the Government would be unable to finance public services.
Silent TUI Greets Coughlan Address
The Tanaiste has been greeted by an eerie silence at the Teachers' Union of Ireland conference today during her address on the new public sector pay deal. Minister for Education Mary Coughlan told delegates in Ennis today that without economic recovery the Government would be unable to finance public services.
19 October 2016
Establishment Of Public Service Pay Commission Welcomed
The Public Services Committee (PSC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has welcomed the announcement of the establishment of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), chaired by former Chair of the Labour Court, Kevin Duffy.
Establishment Of Public Service Pay Commission Welcomed
The Public Services Committee (PSC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has welcomed the announcement of the establishment of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), chaired by former Chair of the Labour Court, Kevin Duffy.
15 January 2019
Talks In Place To Avert Nursing Strike
Nursing unions are meeting with the HSE and the Department of Health today, Tuesday 15 January, as efforts continue to prevent a series of strikes over pay and staff shortages. Members of both the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) have voted in favour of taking industrial action.
Talks In Place To Avert Nursing Strike
Nursing unions are meeting with the HSE and the Department of Health today, Tuesday 15 January, as efforts continue to prevent a series of strikes over pay and staff shortages. Members of both the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) have voted in favour of taking industrial action.
25 June 2012
Transport Minister Says Public Sector Pay Increases 'Should Be Deferred'
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has said that at a time when services for the public are being cut, public sector pay increments should be deferred. While Mr Varadkar acknowledged that increments were protected under the Croke Park Agreement, he said deferring them for a year would save up to €200m.
Transport Minister Says Public Sector Pay Increases 'Should Be Deferred'
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has said that at a time when services for the public are being cut, public sector pay increments should be deferred. While Mr Varadkar acknowledged that increments were protected under the Croke Park Agreement, he said deferring them for a year would save up to €200m.
23 October 2009
Public Sector Pay Risen By 3.2%
Figures from the CSO have unexpectedly revealed that gross average weekly earnings in the public sector have risen by 3.2% for the year ended in June. However, the figures released today are for gross earnings, which do not account for the impact of the pension levy or income levy.
Public Sector Pay Risen By 3.2%
Figures from the CSO have unexpectedly revealed that gross average weekly earnings in the public sector have risen by 3.2% for the year ended in June. However, the figures released today are for gross earnings, which do not account for the impact of the pension levy or income levy.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
