FG/Lab TDs can vote to cut pay for more than just Judges tonight – Fleming

Published on: 29 November 2011


Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure Seán Fleming has tabled significant amendments to the Financial Emergency Measurers in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011 due to pass in the Dáil today.  The amendments allow for the pay of all public servants on existing contracts to be reduced to the new €200,000 cap and €250,000 for all semi-state executives.
Deputy Fleming said: “There is no question that pay cuts have been taken across the public and semi-state sectors however with another punishing budget coming next week for all citizens my amendments give Fine Gael and Labour TDs the chance to show solidarity with citizens and continue the work of the last Government in tackling excessive salaries.  The amendments bring all those on very high incomes down to the new levels of €200,000 and €250,000 for the public service and semi-state sectors respectively.
Minister Brendan Howlin has confirmed that there are a number of individuals who remain above the new €250,000 pay ceiling.  On top of this there are academic consultants in the health and educations sectors still earning over €200,000.  On November 9th Minister Ruairi Quinn acknowledged that there were close to 100 employees in the Higher Education sector earning more than €200,000.
Deputy Fleming said: “The new pay caps introduced by the Government only apply to new appointments and it will be years before the effect is really seen.  However a major change can be achieved in a matter of hours today.
“The Dáil is being presented with legislation today that is framed as an ’emergency measure’ that is in the ‘public interest’.  TDs will vote to impose legally binding pay cuts on judges and ministers tonight.  The scope of this emergency legislation can be extended to ensure greater savings are achieved and I am calling on all TDs to support my amendment.”

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure Seán Fleming has tabled significant amendments to the Financial Emergency Measurers in the Public Interest (Amendment) Bill 2011 due to pass in the Dáil today.  The amendments allow for the pay of all public servants on existing contracts to be reduced to the new €200,000 cap and €250,000 for all semi-state executives.

Deputy Fleming said: “There is no question that pay cuts have been taken across the public and semi-state sectors however with another punishing budget coming next week for all citizens my amendments give Fine Gael and Labour TDs the chance to show solidarity with citizens and continue the work of the last Government in tackling excessive salaries.  The amendments bring all those on very high incomes down to the new levels of €200,000 and €250,000 for the public service and semi-state sectors respectively.

Minister Brendan Howlin has confirmed that there are a number of individuals who remain above the new €250,000 pay ceiling.  On top of this there are academic consultants in the health and educations sectors still earning over €200,000.  On November 9th Minister Ruairi Quinn acknowledged that there were close to 100 employees in the Higher Education sector earning more than €200,000.

Deputy Fleming said: “The new pay caps introduced by the Government only apply to new appointments and it will be years before the effect is really seen.  However a major change can be achieved in a matter of hours today.

“The Dáil is being presented with legislation today that is framed as an ’emergency measure’ that is in the ‘public interest’.  TDs will vote to impose legally binding pay cuts on judges and ministers tonight.  The scope of this emergency legislation can be extended to ensure greater savings are achieved and I am calling on all TDs to support my amendment.”

Connect with us



News Categories