Public service workers 'extremely angry' over cuts

Ireland’s largest public service trade union has said it’s members are extremely angry about measures announced by the Taoiseach this afternoon.

IMPACT spokesman Bernard Harbour said members feel as if they are being forced to shoulder the burden of economic recovery, while businesses and high earners make no contribution.

He was responding to Brian Cowen’s announcement that pay increases for public servants are to be scrapped and a new levy imposed on public service pensions.

“I can tell you that the switchboard here at head office has been buzzing with people extremely angry,” Mr Harbour said.

“They’re angry not just at the pension contribution, which is extremely significant, but also at the fact that this is being imposed in a situation where businesses and the better-off have not been asked to make any contribution.”

“People are extremely angry at this, and they're angry primarily because once again the burden of economic recovery is falling on the shoulders of workers who didn't create this problem in the first place.”

Meanwhile, Government plans announced this afternoon to cut €95m of overseas aid have been criticised by charities.

A statement from Trocaire said the aid agency was deeply disappointed that the Government had decided to make savings, while leaving the most vulnerable across the globe in a worse condition.