Howlin must withdraw flawed estimates ahead of Committee hearing today – FF

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Seán Fleming has said the party will oppose the taking of the Revised Estimates for Public Services at the Sub-Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform this lunchtime.

Deputy Fleming said: “These estimates, which were published last week, are based on the rejected Croke Park agreement and therefore are flawed.  Minister Howlin needs to withdraw the estimates and bring forward a revised plan that is fair and equitable.

“Fianna Fáil has consistently pointed out the failure of the Government to disclose all relevant information concerning the draft agreement from the LRC and the inconsistency with which different categories of public sector employees have been treated.

“The government’s proposals would have a disproportionate impact on the pay and earnings of frontline and shift workers and we believe it is essential that any further reductions in the overall public sector pay and pensions bill are done in a fair and structured way.

“I will be calling on Minister Howlin to withdraw the estimates at today’s meeting until we have a clear explanation from the government as to how it intends to proceed after the rejection of the proposals.  We are calling for immediate engagement by the Government with public sector employees with a view to securing a balanced agreement that can secure widespread support amongst public sector employees.”