Louth TD accuses Government of ‘reckless disregard’ for public finances

Labour Finance spokesperson and Louth TD Ged Nash has accused the Government of showing reckless disregard for both industrial relations and the public finances by what he claims is their failure to engage seriously with trade unions ahead of talks on a new public sector pay agreement.

Deputy Nash said:

“The failure by Government to engage seriously with the trade unions who represent their own employees on a potential new public sector pay agreement is entirely on-brand for this administration.

“It is also another clear sign of their reckless disregard for the public finances.

“Government’s failure to engage on the broad terms of a proposition on pay, in advance of the opening of formal talks and ahead of October’s Budget, leaves them wide open to the accusation that they are unserious about responsible fiscal planning and the longer-term certainty that a negotiated agreement can bring.

“It is also the height of disrespect to our nurses, teachers, council workers and the hundreds of thousands of dedicated civil and public servants across the country on whom we all depend to deliver essential public services.

“By wilfully ignoring PAYE workers in last year’s Budget, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael created a rod for their own backs. The chickens are now coming home to roost. In those circumstances, it is entirely understandable that PAYE workers employed by the State have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.

“Government should be working urgently to achieve that rather than sleepwalking towards an avoidable industrial dispute.”