29/11/2007

Public Sector Needs Budget Reform: Fine Gael

Things are hotting up as the 2008 Budget announcement looms next week.

Fine Gael is now calling on Finance Minister Brian Cowen to radically reform the public service in his budget speech.

A leading figure in the party said such a move would free up €3bn to spend on vital front-line services.

Fine Gael deputy leader Richard Bruton also rejected claims that reform would provoke widespread strikes by trades unionists opposed to change.

He said the Irish Congress of Trade Unions agreed with the need for reform and any disagreements over detail could be resolved without major difficulty.

(BMcC/JM)

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