Menu
03/02/2009
Dáil Cuts Go Ahead Despite Talks Collapse
The Irish government is to push ahead with economic cutbacks despite the sensational collapse of talks with trade unions.
The government will make its sweeping cuts anyway, even though the talks ended in disagreement in the early hours of Tuesday.
The unions and employers met with government officials to help secure €2 billion worth of cuts from Ireland's public spending, but workers' unions at the talks rejected attempt to slash the public service payroll bill.
In a statement issued earlier, Taoiseach Brian Cowen (pictured) said that he regretted it was not possible for the trade unions to agree to proposals but he would still "take the necessary decisions in respect of the fiscal adjustments".
The talks effectively broke down over the terms of a graduated pension levy which was sought as part of a package of measures aimed at generating savings.
According to reports this morning, the plans included increases to the pension contributions by public sector workers in the mid salary ranges of €40,000 to €60,000. The proposals meant staff would have to pay between 6.9% and 7.9% more in pension contributions, meaning deductions of between €2,250 for staff on €40,000 and €4,750 for those on €60,000.
However Deputy Prime Minister Mary Coughlan said the collapse of the talks did not represent the end of social partnership.
(DW/JM)
The government will make its sweeping cuts anyway, even though the talks ended in disagreement in the early hours of Tuesday.
The unions and employers met with government officials to help secure €2 billion worth of cuts from Ireland's public spending, but workers' unions at the talks rejected attempt to slash the public service payroll bill.
In a statement issued earlier, Taoiseach Brian Cowen (pictured) said that he regretted it was not possible for the trade unions to agree to proposals but he would still "take the necessary decisions in respect of the fiscal adjustments".
The talks effectively broke down over the terms of a graduated pension levy which was sought as part of a package of measures aimed at generating savings.
According to reports this morning, the plans included increases to the pension contributions by public sector workers in the mid salary ranges of €40,000 to €60,000. The proposals meant staff would have to pay between 6.9% and 7.9% more in pension contributions, meaning deductions of between €2,250 for staff on €40,000 and €4,750 for those on €60,000.
However Deputy Prime Minister Mary Coughlan said the collapse of the talks did not represent the end of social partnership.
(DW/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
25 March 2009
Irish Strike 'Deferred' - For Now
NI people travelling across the border and to Dublin will find things a lot easier than had been anticipated on Monday as a planned wave of cross-sector strikes has been called off. The Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has announced it is deferring the expected combined action.
Irish Strike 'Deferred' - For Now
NI people travelling across the border and to Dublin will find things a lot easier than had been anticipated on Monday as a planned wave of cross-sector strikes has been called off. The Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has announced it is deferring the expected combined action.
21 March 2006
Public servants to take part in pension strike
Over 50,000 members of the NI Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) have today voted in favour of taking part in strike action next Tuesday, over a dispute about pensions. The final result of the ballot was 71.5% in favour, with 28.5% voting against taking part in the strike action to preserve the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Public servants to take part in pension strike
Over 50,000 members of the NI Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) have today voted in favour of taking part in strike action next Tuesday, over a dispute about pensions. The final result of the ballot was 71.5% in favour, with 28.5% voting against taking part in the strike action to preserve the Local Government Pension Scheme.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mostly dry evening and night with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive, especially in the south. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
