Chambers warns public sector pay deal could be reviewed if economic conditions worsen

The agreement includes a six-week review mechanism, while the Government expects budget surpluses despite economic uncertainty

Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers speaking at a press conference at the Department of Finance in Dublin. Picture: Niall Carson/Press Association

The Government can trigger a review of the new public sector pay deal if there is a “significant contraction” in the Irish economy, the public expenditure minister has said.

Jack Chambers said the Government would only seek such a review if the deal became something the State could no longer “sustain or afford”, adding that this would be “clear to everybody”.