13/01/2009

Public Sector Cuts On The Agenda Reveals Kenny

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has said that cuts in jobs and pay in the public sector are now on the agenda.

Speaking in Limerick, during a public address, Mr Kenny said the cuts would be implemented to curtail the deterioration in public finances.

The Fine Gael Leader was meeting party TDs from the region to discuss the jobs crisis prompted by the announcement of 1,900 redundancies at Dell last week.

Adding to the Government's current woes, the Green Party has called for a reduction in the number of junior ministers by at least three to cut costs.

The party's Chairman, Senator Dan Boyle, has also proposed that the expenses deal enjoyed by TDs and senators should be overhauled.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Senator Boyle said cutting the number of junior ministers would send the right signal to the public.

The Government is expected to tell unions next week that most of the €2 billion that must be cut from exchequer spending this year will have to come from pay cuts for civil and public servants.

Some public sector unions, such as the Irish Nurses Organisation, have said they are seeking professional advice on the legality of any government move to cut the pay of their members.

However, speaking in Japan today - where he is on a trade visit - the Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he would have no hesitation with taking tough decisions if talks with social partners and unions collapsed.

(DW/BMcC)

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