Quinn: New Croke Park deal should re-examine allowances
The Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has said the issue of public sector allowances should be part of the negotiations on a new Croke Park Agreement.
Mr Quinn made the comments after ICTU General Secretary David Begg said some allowances should be incorporated into pay.
The Communications and Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has also said the issue will be re-examined as part of the Croke Park deal.
Mr Rabbitte said: "The Government is conscious of the fact that, in some cases, it would appear, that the original rationale for some allowances is no longer valid.
"And in that case, no doubt, that will be addressed in future, and in line with the Croke Park Agreement."
The Education Minister Ruairi Quinn agrees.
Mr Quinn said: "There is great confusion in the public mind between allowances say for a night shift which is just for the time that you are doing the night shift as distinct from getting a promotional grade which has both responsibilities and extra salary.
"I welcome David Begg's statement which has been reported to me and when we are looking at implementing Croke Park and a possible Croke Park two, that is something that possibly should be on the table."
