Eight Fine Gael TDs Say Incremental Pay Increases Should Be Examined

Incremental pay increases and allowances for higher-paid public service workers should be examined for possible savings, according to eight Fine Gael TDs.

In an article in the Irish Examiner, the group said these two areas are not part of the Croke Park Agreement and that pay increases must be put back on the table to correct the budget deficit.

Chairman of the Croke Park Implementation Body PJ Fitzpatrick rejected claims that savings made under the agreement are being overstated.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Fitzpatrick said he was entirely satisfied with the accuracy of the €810m figure for savings in the pay bill.

Fine Gael Galway West TD Seán Kyne, who is one of the eight TDs who wrote the article, said he believes it does not make any sense to pay increments while borrowing and cutting back frontline services.

Speaking on the same programme, Mr Kyne said the Government needs to look at withholding increments from higher-paid public servants, and unions need to engage on the issue.

He said ministers and politicians seem afraid to tackle the issue because of fears of a union backlash.

Mr Kyne said there is a tough Budget ahead where more cuts are required, but "as long as we are continuing to abide by all the rules and regulations of Croke Park ... then it's more difficult to defend the very difficult cuts we are going to have to implement".

(H)