Howlin to start process of reversing public-sector pay cuts next year

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin has said he will begin the process of reversing public-sector pay cuts next year.

Several cuts to pay and pensions were imposed under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest laws as a result of the Croke Park and Haddington Road Agreements.

Last June, the coalition decided that the measures needed to remain in place for at least another year.

Minister Brendan Howlin has now told the Dáil he believes we are nearing the point of reversing the pay cuts.

"The powers granted to the Oireachtas under the legislation are temporary by nature and are predicated on the presence of the financial emergency," he said.

"While we have clear signs now of recovery, we still can't undo all of (the measures) immediately, but I hope to open negotiations next year to have an orderly unwinding of these provisions as we work our way into recovery."