FG calls for review of benchmarking payments

Fine Gael says it is time for the Government to review benchmarking payments downwards.

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that public sector workers are paid 47% better than their counterparts in the private sector.

Under benchmarking, public sector salaries rose to match those in the private sector however promised efficiencies have not been delivered upon.

Fine Gael's Finance spokesperson Richard Bruton says Bertie Ahern's decision to give the go-ahead for benchmarking has been a disaster for the Irish economy.