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Politicians and productivity

Can anyone remember when, if ever, ‘productivity’ was a sine qua non for the endorsement of pay rises for Oireachtas members?

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Wed Oct 21 2026 - 06:00

Sir, – You reported that Taoiseach Micheál Martin has insisted productivity increases would be a part of any new pay deal with the public sector unions (“Taoiseach rejects Michael O’Leary’s view that he would ‘buckle’ to public sector unions”, Politics, October 18th).

The Taoiseach is quoted as having said that he is “open to an agreement that is affordable” and “that can advance productivity within the public service”.

Can anyone remember when, if ever, “productivity” was a sine qua non for the endorsement of pay rises for Oireachtas members over the years? – Yours, etc,

PÁDRAIC HARVEY,

RM Block

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An Cheathrú Rua,

Co na Gaillimhe.

[ Productivity not a one-way street ]