Public service faces squeeze to hit €15bn target

PUBLIC servants will be squeezed for savings deeper than were negotiated in the Croke Park agreement as the Government commits to cutting €15 billion off its spending by 2014.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said pay scales agreed with public sector trade unions would be respected but what was expected of the service would have to increase.

“I do think the ambition of the Croke Park agreement will have to be broadened and deepened in relation to the savings that can be secured by it.”