Public Expenditure Minister says progress on sector pay talks expected soon

Jack Chambers, the Public Expenditure Minister, addressed the Dáil expressing optimism that the stalled public-sector pay talks could move forward in the coming days, despite a threatened strike on Wednesday. He noted that the matter remains sensitive and he could not provide specific details at the time, but expects to share more soon. The strike, which saw schools close and many hospital appointments, driving tests and court hearings cancelled, followed earlier work-to-rule actions by nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants.

Labour TD Ged Nash criticized the Taoiseach and Chambers, alleging they were dismissive of the workers’ mandate to strike. Both Micheál Martin and Helen McEntee pointed to a €1.2 billion fund set aside in the budget to kick-start negotiations and stressed the need for a national pay agreement.