Publication of FG manifesto welcome – but raises very serious issues which need to be explained – Chambers

 

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has called on Fine Gael to follow up their manifesto launch by explaining some very serious problems, especially with provisions for public services in the next 5 years.

 

The call comes after the Fine Gael manifesto proposes to underfund the next public sector pay deal, due to be negotiated in 2026, impacting over 400,000 workers across the country. Its health proposals would lead to a 5-year restriction on health posts.

 

“The manifesto has been published very late, but an initial assessment of their proposals reveals Fine Gael have allocated just €17.2bn to cover existing Levels of Service, public sector pay and contingency. In contrast Fianna Fáil earmarked €20bn.

 

“This €2.8bn gap will directly cost public sector workers.

 

“This would effectively amount to a public sector pay freeze.

 

“The previous Public Sector Pay deal cost considerably more and simply keeping pace with the cost of living would require more than Fine Gael has provided."

 

Minister Chambers added: “More generally I am concerned about the provision of public services under Fine Gael’s proposals. For example, in education, they are not proposing any reduction in the pupil teacher ratio. In Government, we have brought this down to 23:1 which is the lowest ever, and our manifesto commits to bringing this down to 19:1. They are also opposing the 40% increase in school capitation we have proposed – suggesting only half that figure.

 

“In health, Fine Gael have failed to fund any extra health care staff above existing levels of service. Fianna Fáil has put €2.5bn to fund 25,000 extra staff.

 

"Fine Gael need to clarify all this for public sector workers and for the public more generally who rely on these essential services.”