§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent action the Government have taken to resolve the Northern Ireland Civil Service dispute; and if he will make a statement. [187287]
§ Mr. PearsonIntensive negotiations took place in July between officials from the Department of Finance and Personnel and trade union representatives. At these meetings officials emphasised that the 3.67 per cent. pay deal for 2003 had now been paid and was final, but that they were willing to explore all reasonable means of resolving the dispute. The trade union also met with the Secretary of State on 23 July. On 3 August management tabled two offers to the trade union—a 12-month offer worth 3.49 per cent. and a 16-month offer worth 4.65 per cent. Both offers were quickly rejected and further negotiations took place on 4, 11 and 13 August. Following these further negotiations two final offers were made to the trade union on 16 August that took account of the trade unions views—the previous 12 month offer worth 3.49 per cent. and a revised 16-month offer worth 4.65 per cent. The revised offer included an increase in rates of pay of 2 per cent. plus a non-consolidated payment of £150 for all staff. These offers are now being considered by the trade union.
Staff in the Northern Ireland Office are subject to separate pay negotiations involving NIPSA in respect of Northern Ireland Civil Servants and PCS and FDA in respect of Home Civil Servants. All three unions remain in dispute in relation to the 2003 pay award, although only NIPSA has taken industrial action. Exploratory discussions have now taken place between NIO officials and each of the unions regarding pay increases for 2004, and the unions will be invited into formal negotiations in relation to 2004 pay once the NIO' s pay remit receives approval from the Treasury.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will delay making appointments in recruitment competition SC/18/03 until the Northern1316W Ireland Civil Service Commissioners have satisfied themselves as to the legality of the exclusion of Irish nationals from that competition. [186369]
§ Mr. PearsonNo. Competition SC/18/03, which is now closed, resulted in the appointment of one Grade 6.