The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, last week (Monday 30^th November) formally signed the Commencement Order bringing into law the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2015.

The Act gives effect to the provisions of the Lansdowne Road Agreement and amends previous FEMPI legislation, which has underpinned the various public service pay and pensions reductions since 2009.

It follows the passing of the legislation by the Seanad last week.

The Minister praised the role of public servants in maintaining delivery of public services through the years of crisis in an atmosphere of industrial peace. “Thankfully, we are in a position to commence the unwinding of that financial emergency legislation. This Act illustrates that this Government is committed to the process of income restoration for serving and former public servants. This package is aimed at delivering particularly for the lower paid.  I am pleased that we have been in a position to recruit once again into the public service with a particular focus on front line positions like Gardaí, teachers and nurses”.