Public sector incomes ‘should be based on average EU equivalent rate’

PUBLIC sector pay should never again be set by a review body, but should instead be based on an average EU equivalent rate, according to Glen Dimplex managing director Sean O’Driscoll.

Speaking at yesterday’s Cork Chamber Annual Conference in Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, Mr O’Driscoll outlined the series of business innovation and cost-saving measures which he believes are necessary to make Ireland fit to compete with world markets. He titled his five-year plan ‘Agenda 2016’, stating that it is possible for Ireland to become Europe’s leading trading nation in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916.

Mr O’Driscoll said: “We should never again have a review body to recommend on public sector pay levels – let’s keep it very simple and transparent – set the pay level for every public sector job at the average of the EU rate for the relevant position. Our public sector doesn’t need to be reformed, it needs to be fixed.