The Government has denied that any review of the national pay agreement has been discussed with unions or employers.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen appeared to hint in the Dáil yesterday that he had discussed the agreement with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and IBEC.
However, an official Government statement last night said that the purpose of the meeting had been to develop a strategy focused on economic recovery, and the question of review of the national pay agreement did not arise.
Today, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Mary Coughlan told the Dáil the national pay deal is not up for negotiations but there is constant interaction between the Government and the social partners.
She was replying to questions from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny who said the Government ‘were all over the place on this issue’. He asked if the pay deal was set in stone or if it was up for renegotiation.
Mr Kenny then asked if the Government intends to pay the national pay deal or not.
Ms Coughlan responded, saying that social partnership is pivotal, and that the Taoiseach met Congress and IBEC to discuss the current economic situation.
Earlier, SIPTU President Jack O’Connor said the Government did not contact SIPTU on the question of reviewing or amending the national wage agreement.
He added that SIPTU would be willing to engage in discussions on a strategic plan if it meant more money for workers but that prolonging the 11-month pay freeze in the public service would make no positive contribution to the economic crisis.
