Talks to resume on public sector cuts
Monday, 9 November 2009 07:47Talks will resume today between Government officials and trade union leaders on a plan to save €1.3bn in the public sector pay bill in next month's budget.
Government officials will present a menu of options for generating cost reductions next year.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen yesterday said that cutting the public service pay bill was not enough.
Mr Cowen called for a fundamental reform of the public service to meet the country's economic needs.
He said he was willing look at the numbers employed and the 'whole system of allowances'.
However, Mr Cowen said that while this is 'a medium to long-term process', cost savings are the immediate concern.
He said the targeted €1.3bn would constitute a significant amount of the €4bn reductions being sought in State spending for 2010.
General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions David Begg has said further protests over pay and other cuts could be averted if progress is made at this week's talks.
Thousands of workers from the public and the private sectors took to the streets around the country on Friday to protest against the Government's economic policy.
