Sir, – James Cox’s helpful analysis (“Public sector pay deal: What’s in it for me?”, November 11th) sets out exactly what the new agreement means for a cleaner, a teacher and a garda. What is conspicuously absent is any account of what the public, who will fund these increases, can expect in return.
The deal will cost €5.2 billion over 33 months, spread across five budgets, and will raise pay by at least 10.75 per cent for more than 400,000 workers.
That is a substantial commitment of taxpayers’ money, at a level above the expected rate of inflation. Yet there is no mention of any productivity targets, service improvements or reforms in return.
People paying for this deal are entitled to ask what they will see for it. Will hospital waiting lists shorten? Will passports, planning decisions and social welfare claims be processed faster? Will services be more accessible outside office hours?
RM Block
I do not begrudge public servants fair pay, particularly those on the lowest incomes. But a pay agreement of this scale should come with clear, published commitments that are measured and reported on.
Otherwise, the question “what’s in it for me?” is being asked by only one side of the bargain. – Yours, etc,
Barry Denham,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – In light of the resolutions having been found to the public sector dispute, the Garda dispute and the ongoing saga of solicitors’ free legal aid fees on the eve of the EU summit: would it be possible to extend an open invitation to the world leaders to drop back when other disputes arise?
It appears the red carpet is an answer to resolving matters.- Yours, etc,
Pat Savage,
Drogheda,
Co Louth.
Sir, – With widespread political relief, at least, that this week’s industrial action is suspended following the negotiation of a successor pay deal, a few questions remain unanswered.
Is the deal really worth 10.75 per cent as reported in the media? The current Government reneged on its commitment to paying 1 per cent from the previous agreement negotiated in good faith and delivered on by public servants.
Also, for the first time in 40 years there was a failure to negotiate a public sector wide deal in a timely fashion which resulted in five months of an interregnum. Without a gathering of EU leaders in March 2029 to focus minds – who knows how long this “deal” will remain in place? – Yours, etc,
Stephen O’Hara,
Carrowmore,
Co Sligo.
Sir, - I have no issue with protests and strikes and I am a strong believer in a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
The strike threat on the day of a major EU meeting however was for me a step too far. By all means, inconvenience the public with protest and strike but don’t embarrass our nation. - Yours, etc,
Eddie Cotter,
Ballinhassig,
Co Cork.
