Government and ICTU meet

The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen, T.D., the Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan, T.D., and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Mr John Gormley, T.D., and the Officers of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions met this evening. The purpose of the meeting, which took place at the invitation of the Taoiseach, was to explore the potential and appropriate conditions for a renewed engagement between Public Service unions and management, on the development of a comprehensive agenda for the transformation of public services and on a framework for Public Service pay determination.

Building on this evening's discussions, the shared commitment to maintaining a dynamic Public Service that can contribute to sustainable economic renewal and recovery and social progress, and a shared sense of urgency, it has been agreed that both sides would invite Mr Kieran Mulvey and Mr Kevin Foley of the Labour Relations Commission as facilitators to undertake initial discussions with Public Service management and unions. While appointed in a personal capacity, the facilitators will draw on the resources of the Labour Relations Commission to support their work.

It was agreed that the facilitators should keep the Government and the ICTU appraised of progress in the conduct of the discussions with the parties, with the objective of concluding this facilitation process at the earliest possible date.

11th March, 2010

Ends