Wexford TD Criticises Government Over Public Sector Pay Dispute And Toll Increases

A Wexford TD says it is increasingly likely that public sector workers will take to picket lines on Thursday, as a dispute over pay and conditions continues.

Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin says teachers, Special Needs Assistants and nurses do not want to take industrial action but are being left with little choice because of the rising cost of living.

Speaking to South East Radio, he said workers are struggling with the cost of rent, fuel, energy bills and groceries, and accused the Government of being out of touch with their concerns.

He also questioned the difference in approach to public sector pay, pointing to reported increases in the salaries of several State body chief executives.

He cited an additional 95-thousand euro for the head of Dublin Airport Authority, 118-thousand euro for the head of Uisce Éireann and 92-thousand euro for the head of the ESB.

The comments come as the Government has increased its pay offer to public sector unions from 7.75 per cent to 10.5 per cent, with some lower-paid workers potentially receiving increases of up to 17.8 per cent.

Mr Ó Súilleabháin said it would be up to unions and their members to decide whether the revised offer goes far enough.

He believes a decision on Thursday's planned industrial action would need to be made early, warning that it would be difficult to call off strikes if preparations continued beyond lunchtime today.

Meanwhile, the TD has also criticised planned toll increases, warning they will add to the financial pressure on commuters, including those travelling from North Wexford to Dublin.

He says the M50 toll for tag users will increase by 10 cent per journey to €2.70, while video account users will pay €3.30. Motorists without an account will face a 20-cent increase to €4 per journey.

He says someone travelling to Dublin Airport without an account could face an additional €8 for a return journey.

Mr Ó Súilleabháin says a motion is being brought forward calling on the Government to scrap the planned toll increases. It also seeks a review of tolling policy, the impact on workers and families, and existing public-private partnership contracts.

The motion is due to be voted on by TDs tomorrow evening.