Public service workers warned not to be 'over-expectant' on payback

One of the country’s most senior public sector union leaders has warned public service workers not to get "over-expectant" about a restoration of pay and conditions mooted by the Government.

Tom Geraghty, general secretary of the Public Service Executive Union, said that restoring even €1,000 to each individual will cost the State €289m.

He also said “populist” calls for tax reductions could threaten the ability of the Government to prioritise pay restoration.