Lower-paid public sector workers should be prioritised in pay talks, says Taoiseach 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: 'We've always had a view of endeavouring to protect lower-paid workers within the public service ...but that's a matter that has to be ironed out in the context of negotiations.' File picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Lower-paid public sector workers should be prioritised in pay talks, the Taoiseach has indicated as negotiations get underway.

Micheál Martin has refused to say how much the Government is willing to set aside for pay increases next year, despite reports that up to €1.6bn could be made available, which would allow for 4% wage increases.

A second day of strike action, which would have seen more than 300,000 public sector workers take to the picket line again, has been suspended as formal discussions kick off at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Monday, with the Government agreeing that pay-related matters will be dealt with first.

Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers had set aside €1.2bn as part of Budget 2027 to deal with public sector pay, but it is now expected that this figure will be revised upwards through use of the Government's contingency funds.

Mr Martin said "nothing has been decided" as the final agreement could cover a number of years, as was the case with previous deals.

Asked if different levels of pay rises could be awarded within the public sector, the Taoiseach said: "We've always had a view of endeavouring to protect lower-paid workers within the public service ...but that's a matter that has to be ironed out in the context of negotiations."

Mr Martin said he is "open" to an agreement that is "affordable" but which would "look after" and "give protection to low-paid workers".

The cost-of-living crisis has sparked protests across Europe, with around 1,800 people arrested in France.

Buildings were set alight, including Limoges City Hall in central France.

• Elaine Loughlin is Political Editor.