Fuel tax cuts will be factored into next pay talks, says ICTU

'Government has demonstrated, repeatedly, that the loudest lobby wins'

Protestersin Dublin during the fuel protest on Saturday. Fuel tax cuts will be factored into pay negotiations with Government over the next year, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said. Picture: PA/Niall Carson

Fuel tax cuts will be factored into pay negotiations with Government over the next year, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has said, in response to the Government's package of aids to the fuel industry.

ICTU general secretary Owen Reidy said the €500m tax cut for the fuel industry has set a precedent for pay across the economy. “Trade unions across Ireland have taken note of events over the past week. While we are told the importance of being reasonable with pay demands, blockades and barricades have been rewarded with a €500m package of tax breaks," said Mr Reidy.