Calls for public-sector pay cuts

Madam, – The most acceptable pathway to public sector pay-cuts (and overall savings) is a top-down approach

Madam, – The most acceptable pathway to public sector pay-cuts (and overall savings) is a top-down approach.

This would demonstrate leadership. And if pay-cuts cuts are in proportion to salary (10 per cent from a Government minister, TD, hospital consultant or university president is more acceptable than 10 per cent from a nurse or teacher), they would more palatable to the public sector. – Yours, etc,

Dr DAMIAN Ó MAONAIGH,

An Ghallbhuaile,

An Clochán,

Tír Chonaill.


Madam, – I believe – and I hope others agree – that it is essential to separate nurses, teachers and gardaí from other public servants in the pay negotiations that are obviously needed in our current circumstances. – Yours, etc,

MARGARET TURVEY,

Abbey Terrace,

Howth,

Co Dublin.

Madam, – Most newspapers report that Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan is planning to cut pay for public sector workers by 5 to 10 per cent. The trade unions say they will fight this measure tooth and nail. I presume this could mean a campaign of strikes across the public services with appalling consequences for citizens. It would, therefore, be risky for Mr Lenihan to proceed with such a plan.

However, he has at his disposal the most efficient method of relative pay reduction – personal income tax rates. By changing current bands and rates, he can raise the same amount of money – and do so in an equitable way with protection of the lower-paid. Highest earners will pay the highest rates. Sadly, the upper rates will have to be very high indeed.

With such an alternative available to him, it would be foolish to risk total alienation of public-sector workers (typists, nurses, teachers, gardaí, etc.)and prolonged civil chaos by implementing selective, public-sector-only pay cuts. – Yours, etc,

GARRY FITZGERALD,

Maypark Lane,

Waterford.