merrion street

It seems clear now that the Public Services Committee of Congress will not accept the LRC proposals on a successor agreement to Croke Park.

Obviously I am disappointed at that outcome.

This has undoubtedly been a difficult process. It is unprecedented to ask public servants to sign up to an agreement that impacts negatively on their pay and conditions. But in the economic circumstances in which we find ourselves, I believe the LRC proposals are fair and balanced.

As I’ve said consistently during this process, a rejection of these proposals does not change the fact – that to conform to our budgetary targets and continue on our path to economic recovery we need to make payroll savings of €300m this year and €1bn by 2015.

The Government will reflect on the outcome of the ballot and the manner in which the required savings can be achieved this year.