Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs Dara Calleary has said the announcement by Minister Howlin that premium payments and allowances in the public services are to be kept virtually untouched is another stunning example of the Government litany of broken promises.
Deputy Callleary said: “Time and time again the government rhetoric on reform has come to little and today’s announcement is no different. Far from saving €75m from reform of allowances and premium payments as promised, the government now expects to save in the order of €3.5m.
“The fact that just one allowance out of over 1100 detailed to Minister Howlin is being cut for existing public servants shows that this government is prepared only to talk about taking difficult decisions and has no intention of actually taking any.
“The public will again find it difficult to tolerate cuts to the most vulnerable in need of home care packages and home help hours while the government fails to meet a promised saving of €71.5 million.”