The standard domestic subsistence ‘day rates’ paid to civil servants who are out of the office on business are to increase by 10% from Monday (1st July). Now that the changes are officially sanctioned in the civil service, they will be rolled out in non-commercial semi-state bodies and other parts of the public sector.

The ‘five hour rate’ is to increase from €14.01 to €15.41, while the ‘ten-hour rate’ goes up from €33.61 to €36.97.

The changes come on foot of a regular union-management review of the rates, which takes account of inflation in cafes, restaurants, takeaways and fast food outlets, plus – for the overnight rate only – accommodation costs.

No increase is sanctioned if the relevant consumer price index-measured increases come in below 5%. This means there is no increase in overnight rates because inflation in accommodation costs – which make up the lion’s share of the calculation – were relatively low.

Read the civil service circular HERE.