The standard domestic subsistence ‘day rates’ paid to civil servants who are out of the office on business are to increase by 10% from July. But overnight rates will remain the same.

Once the changes are officially sanctioned in the civil service, they will be rolled out to health, local authorities, education 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 accounts for the lack of movement on overnight rates because inflation in accommodation costs – which make up the lion’s share of the calculation – were relatively low.

Fórsa official Billy Hannigan, who represents the union in the process, said he would now ask management to prepare a draft agreed report for adoption by the civil service general council. This will give effect to the increases, which will then be applied across the public service.