IS IRELAND A HIGH TAX ECONOMY?
Review Public Service www.pseu.ie Journal of the Public Service Executive Union January/February 2015 ‘Financial crisis revealed a global capitalist system that was unstable’ DAVID BEGG PAGE 26 IS IRELAND A HIGH TAX ECONOMY? WE THROW THE DICE TO SEE WHERE PAGES 6 - 8 THE FIGURES FALL... Picture: Images Money (CC BY 2.0) www.taxrebate.co.uk WHISTLEBLOWING BASICS – WHAT NEW ACT MEANS FOR YOU PAGES 13 - 15 W e see your We finances dif ferently differently For more information contact Lyons L yons Financial Services at 01 801 5808 or email [email protected] www.lfs.ie Office 1, Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath | Phone: 01 8015808 | Email: [email protected] | Web: Web: www .lfs.ie Lyons t/a Lyons Lyons Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland Roisin Lyons Review EDITORIAL Public Service www.pseu.ie A new-look Review January/February 2015 WElCOME to the new- continue to present relevant general news in look Review magazine. infographic form. Our Conversations piece Over the course of the will aim to interview a person who has an past six months, we at involvement with an issue that we believe the PSEU have at- will interest our membership. Case in point tempted to reconsider is the interview with David Begg in this edithe use of the Review tion. COMMENT and the type of content The Review will have an in-depth feature By Seán Carabini [email protected] contained therein. We article in each edition in addition to an ‘exhave trialled a number of new content types, plainer’ type of article. In this edition, we including guides (such as the PMDS guide) have chosen to explain some of the key conand use of infographics (such as the Snap- cepts underpinning the new whistleblowing shots page) as we seek to find new ways legislation. of providing different information We will also have a dedicated to the many different types of news section that deals with isreader that make up our memsues of direct relevance to the We will attempt bership. workplaces of PSEU memto paint a picture We began by reconsiderbers. of the issues ing the type of information And we look forward to we believe have that we wanted to supply to working with Brazier Media, an impact on our members. In short, our new designers, and Public Services rather than a magazine that Mullen Print, our new print simply reports on events that company. have already happened, we have decided to use the Review as a platform to inform members of debates and issues ThE rEIMAgInIng of the Review magathat affect the concept of Public Service in zine is just one part of an attempt to reassess all of its forms. the entire communications strategy of the If there is a media debate that does not PSEU. In recent months, we have recover an angle that we deem important, we launched the PSEU Executive Committee will include it. By way of example, we have Newsletter, have founded a PSEU Blog and included a feature piece that asks why dis- are actively using social media. We are also course in Irish media rarely equates the looking at new ways to communicate with taxes people pay with the Public Services members at ADC. they receive. needless to say, all of this is a work-inWe will attempt to paint a picture of the progress and we ask for both your patience issues that we believe have an impact on and, more importantly, your feedback. Public Services. The Snapshots page will There are some readers who enjoy in-depth “ Review articles. There are some who prefer infographics. There IS IRELAND A HIGH TAX are some who may ECONOMY? learn more about an issue through a conversation with a key player than they would through an article. It is our intention to reach as many different types of reader as possible and to bring them the information and opinion pieces that we believe they should know about. Public Service www.pseu.ie Journal of the Public Service Executive Union January/February 2015 ‘Financial crisis revealed a global capitalist system that was unstable’ DAVID BEGG PAGE 26 WE THROW THE DICE TO SEE WHERE PAGES 6 - 8 THE FIGURES FALL... Picture: Images Money (CC BY 2.0) www.taxrebate.co.uk WHISTLEBLOWING BASICS – WHAT NEW ACT MEANS FOR YOU PAGES 13 - 15 YOUR REVIEW NEEDS YOU! Do you have a story that you’d like to share with Review readers? Maybe you volunteer your time with a charity or community group? Perhaps you’ve an unusual hobby or have travelled to a far-flung destination. If so, please get in touch – [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you. DO YOU LIKE TO DRAW? Do you consider yourself a budding cartoonist? Would you be interested in seeing your work in print? If so, send an email to [email protected] and we’ll see if the Review is the right home for your work. CONTENTS TTIP/10, 11/NEWS/9, 17,18,20/ TRANSFERS/22,23/LIFESTYLE/25/CROSSWORD/28 Public Service Review is published by Public Service Executive Union 30 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 T: 01- 6767271 E: [email protected] W: www.pseu.ie Editor: Seán Carabini [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Alice McHugh [email protected] Commercial Advertising: Margaret Hughes [email protected] Transfer Advertising: Gillian O’Sullivan [email protected] Designed & Edited by: Brazier Media [email protected] Printed by: Mullen Print Review January/February 2015 3 SNAPSHOTS ‘I’m 36’ NUMBERS 2% Percentage of civil servants as a percentage of total employment 16.4% Minister for Health Leo Varadkar’s shocking revelation on the national airwaves WAGES Approx average gross weekly earnings Public Service Area Civil Service €950 €900 Health €900 €850 Education €1020 €960 €950 €1000 Commercial Semi State 4 Q3 Q3 2009 2013 Source: IPA Public Sector Trends 2014 Percentage of all public servants as percentage of total employment (Ireland ranks 10th in the EU) 288,000 ‘On Camden Street, Harcourt Street, South Great George’s Street, Smock Alley and Temple Bar, there were no bells from the church, no urban foxes and no first snowflakes, just the sound of music in the distance and rats skittering across the sodden blankets and beds of needles’ Taoiseach Enda Kenny following a walk through Dublin to assess the homelessness crisis Number of public servants in 2014 – down 10% since 2008 Workplace Relations Bill nal Employment sion and the Natio If enacted, the Rights Authority. What is it? Bill will bring orkplace Relations lations Bill, if W Re ce la kp or W e Th r the remit of a l such bodies unde ndamental al fu a be ll wi d, te enac Workplace single entity – the ructuring of the overhaul and rest ion (WRC). The iss m m Relations Co landscape. w la t en m oy pl Irish em duce a statutory Bill will also intro . Why is it topical? mediation service ll be wi ll Bi e t will be reconfigth ur at Co th The Labour It is anticipated ide a point of 15. ured and will prov enacted during 20 urt allowing duce? al, with the High Co What changes will it intro ntext, appe of law only. appeals on points e co th on g in nd pe de vil Service Concili Currently, Changes to the Ci nt avre ffe di 0) 95 of r (1 e be m m n Sche there are a nu ation and Arbitratio an employment e WRC used as th e se ly enues along which will probab r fo , ng di clu in d, rral mechanism issue can procee the third party refe s al pe Ap t en m oy ses. example, the Empl in Civil Service ca tions Commisla Re ur bo La , al Tribun Pictures: William Murphy (CC BY-SA 2.0); net_efekt (CC BY 2.0); European Parliament (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) January/February 2015 Review Combined Services Third World Fund Since it was founded in 1980, the Combined Services Third World Fund has spent more than €8 million on development projects and emergency aid grants throughout the developing world. The CSTWF is able to do this because of the generous contributions made by employees and pensioners of the Civil Service, An Post, eircom and other State agencies. Contributions are deducted at source from salary/pension at a rate of either 0.1% or 0.2% of basic pay – your choice – working out at one cent or two cents for every €10 of pay/pension. Makes a lot of sense for just a few cents... FIND OUT MORE AT: TEL: 00 353 1 4082473/75 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.cstwf.ie Review January/February 2015 Picture: John Martinez Pavliga (CC BY 2.0) 5 The high price COVER STORY ACCOrDIng to TASC, Ireland is a low tax country. But according to IBEC, we are not. Then again, the nErI Institute says we are. Some claim that lower taxes are esANALYSIS sential to reviving Irish By Seán Carabini [email protected] prosperity. Others say that we cannot be prosperous without raising them. So where does the truth lie? Is Ireland really a high tax country? International comparison In order to answer this question, we need a comparison. I’ve decided to focus on three European countries that are similar to Ireland in either geographic size or population. Specifically, I have chosen three such countries that rank higher than Ireland’s 2014/15 World Economic Forum global Competitiveness ranking of 25th place. They are Denmark (13th), the netherlands (8th) and Finland (4th). In 2012, the average Irish person paid €16972.11 in tax1. This compares to €34876.09 in Denmark, €22945.89 in the netherlands and €26019.92 (Finland). This throws up an immediate observation: Ireland, by comparison, is not a high tax country. Why, then, does Ireland feel like a high tax country? What do my taxes pay for? Ireland is having two separate conversations at the same time about the public purse. One conversation concerns the level of taxation and when – not if – it needs to be lowered. The second conversation is about the provision of public services, including healthcare, education, etc. They are, however, parts of the same conversation. By way of example, in early January, members of both the labour party and Fine gael called for lower taxes. however, at no stage were they asked what public service would be defunded to pay for the cut. As a public service union, we have a particular interest in 6 knowing the answer to this question. What is it that Ireland thinks it knows about tax cuts that other, arguably more financially successful countries, do not seem to have considered? In short, what do they get for their taxes that we do not? Healthcare Education While there are many examples on which I could focus, one struck me as being particularly expensive. Some 79% of parents with children in third level education in Ireland are providing financial support. The average cost of the support is €428 per month5. As a proportion of its education budget, Ireland spends just 12.7% on grants and loans to third level students. This compares with 14.7% in Finland, 28.4% in Denmark and 28.9% in the netherlands. Ireland has the highest level of privately funded healthcare in the EU. Some 30% of healthcare funding comes from either private health insurance (PhI) or from paying directly2. And it’s not cheap either. According to the health Insurance Author- A false economy? ity, for households with insurance, the averThere are other examples of Ireland spendage cost is €2105 per annum. Some 40% of ing less as a country and leaving the burden Irish people have PhI. This compares with to fall on struggling citizens. In Ireland, there 22% in Finland, 15% in Denmark and a mere is a very high cost to being a low tax country. 11% in the netherlands. In other countries, taxpayers (including comBut how well do their publically-funded panies and workers) pay a bit more – but hospital systems really run? According to the then, they get more in return. And, it seems, Euro health Consumer Index 2013 ranking, they are regarded as being among the world’s the Finns have the 10th best system in the most competitive countries in which to do world, the Danes the 4th and the business. Dutch the 1st. It’s time for a mature, reflective The Euro health Consumer conversation about the taxes we We are calling Index asked an interesting on people to start pay in this country and the question: Is Ireland’s high depublic services they fund. imagining the pendency on insurance really Would you be willing to pay a Ireland they want just another form of taxation? little more from your payto live in & how to packet if you knew you wouldget there... Childcare n’t have to pay for health it’s time for a Ireland is not a cheap place for insurance? conversation childcare. On one hand, there is Would you consider it a good pressure on families for both parents to idea to impose an additional levy on have a career. And yet there is no real at- employers if it meant that your childcare tempt to provide the financial support that is would be subsidised (knowing too that the needed to ensure that it is possible. labour market would also be strengthened)? For those who have children in childcare in The reason that people think it important Ireland, the average monthly cost is €680 per to lower taxes is that many of us need the child3. This compares with a rate of €275 in money in our pockets to pay for the things Denmark (subsidised), between €0 and €225 that other countries pay for from the public in Finland (subsidised), and no cost in the purse. But this is a false economy. netherlands4. The netherlands has found a Many politicians have spoken recently particularly interesting solution to the prob- about the hope that Ireland has left the lem of ensuring families are supported to en- boom-to-bust cycle. Things will be on more sure maximum workforce availability: they of an even keel from now on. It would be an have a childcare levy on employers. idea, therefore, to ensure that we can all live “ January/February 2015 Review of low taxes COVER STORY on an even keel, rather than going bust when we feel we have to take out expensive health insurance, when we have to pay horrendously expensive childcare bills and when we are faced with the crippling costs of education for our children. To be clear, the PSEU isn’t calling for higher taxes. But we are callReview January/February 2015 ing on people to start imagining the Ireland they want to live in and how to get there rather than simply trying to afford the Ireland that’s there today. It’s time for a conversation. Go to ReviewFacts page 8 R Picture: efile.com (CC BY 2.0) OECD (in US dollars, converted at rate of €1=€0.778) OECD Key Data on Early Childhood Education 4 Key Data on Early Childhood Education 5 Irish League of Credit Unions 1 2 3 7 Average Monthly Childcare Fee (2012/3) Ireland Netherlands €680 Denmark €0-€225 €0 Finland 79% €275 56% ReviewFacts Percentage of people in Ireland with health insurance who believe it is a necessity Govt spending as % of GDP (2013) 34.8% Ireland 44.5% Netherlands 55.4% Finland 55.9% Denmark Percentage of parents supporting their children financially through college, contributing €428 per month per child to cover costs of college 8 € % GDP spent on primary education % education spend as grants/loans to 3rd level student Patent applications per 10,000 population Ireland 0.1% 12.7% 0.97 Netherlands 0.41% 28.9% 2.17 Finland 0.4% 14.7% 2.83 Denmark 1.01% 28.4% 2.28 Ability to address social inequality Ireland Households (with children) at risk of poverty or social exclusion 32% Netherlands 14.3% Denmark 13.1% Pictures: Province of British Colombia (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0); Nottingham Trent University (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) January/February 2015 Review NEWS IN BRIEF Picture: Photocall Ireland Picture: Labour Party (CC BY 2.0) International COMMENTS Brendan Howlin Howlin’s intention to hold pay talks MInIsTer for Public expenditure and reform Brendan Howlin has commented that he intends beginning a series of pay talks after Q1 2015. responding to criticism of his previous statements on the inevitability of pay talks, he said: “It would be naive to think that the public sector unions – when reading about surveys which suggest that between 50pc to 70pc of private sector workers will enjoy pay rises this year – will not respond with a request for increased pay.” offering a clarification to his critics, the Minister noted that “pay cuts are not a norm, its legality is predicated on there being an emergency in the state's finances”. He continued: “nor is it sufficient for myself or any other government minister to determine arbitrarily that an emergency exists.” This is good news for public servants that have been subject to the drastic cuts imposed by the FeMPI legislation and, indeed, for the wider public as it signals both a change for the better in the Irish economy and a willingness to reinvest in the public services on which every citizen relies. Mr Howlin added:“There is no bonanza in store for public service workers. But nor should they be excluded from the general improvements in remuneration in the wider economy. Perhaps it is because we have gone through seven years of economic hell that we have forgotten that pay increases are part of a normal, functioning economy.” Mounties court bid affirms union rights CANADA The Canadian Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional right of all workers in Canada to join a union of their own choosing and to engage in collective bargaining following a challenge brought by the Mounted Police against the Canadian government. HANDOVER Outgoing ICTU General Secretary David Begg with General Secretary Designate Patricia King Picture: Evan Goldenberg (CC BY-SA 2.0) Patricia King named as ICTU General Secretary Designate ThE Irish Congress of Trade Unions has announced that Patricia King is to succeed outgoing general Secretary David Begg when he steps down in March. Patricia King will be the first woman to succeed to the post of general Secretary in the 121 year-history of Congress. general Secretary David Begg welcomed the news and said Congress was “very fortunate to have someone of such calibre and wide experience” to lead the movement. Ms King, clearly outlining the themes that will guide her tenure at the helm of ICTU, said: “Every worker is entitled to enjoy fair pay and decent conditions; all workers should be entitled to negotiate collectively with their employer without fear and every worker is entitled to be treated with respect.” Patricia King currently holds the Vice-Presidencies of both SIPTU and Congress. She has worked as a full-time official with SIPTU for over 25 years. Congratulations to the following members COMPETITION WINNERS who won copies of 1916 by Fran O’Brien: Review January/February 2015 Mr Morrogh MacMahon Dept of Health Ms Mary Hoskins Revenue Commissioners Ms Jean Kirwan Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Ms Paula Kelly Agriculture, Food & Marine Ms Ann C. Herrity Revenue Commissioners More information about Fran’s work can be found at www.franobrien.net. All profits from Fran’s writing go directly to the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice. China rachets up anti-union drive CHINA AccorDIng to union activists, the chinese authorities have increased intimidation tactics against organised labour as economic growth begins to slow. The number of strikes doubled in 2014 to over 1,300, with April, for example, seeing the biggest strike in decades as 40,000 employees from Adidas and nike supplier Yue Yuen taking to the picket line. Activists reportedly faced repeated police questioning. They have also been labelled as ‘politically problematic’, which can, for example, lead to problems finding a landlord. Court victory for unionised workers KENYA A January strike saw some 7,000 employees take to the streets in protest against the dismissal of 120 unionised textile workers at Ashton Apparel. In a subsequent case, a Kenyan Court ruled in favour of the workers and ordered the employer to reinstate the workers immediately. 9 Secret deals that future of public GUEST COLUMN Secrecy and attack on democracy TrADE negotiators from major developed and developing countries will come together in geneva this February with the objective of opening up the global services ANALYSIS By Jan Willem Goudriaan market. It will be a secret meeting EPSU General Secretary of a thus-far secretive cabal – these talks are not meant to be a subject of public scrutiny. Behind closed doors, and with documents the public and most parliamentarians do not get to see, it was supposed to move silently and quietly get the approval of parliaments. But documents leaked by Julian Assange’s Wikileaks as well as research carried out by Public Service International (PSI), the global public service unions federation, have revealed what is at stake: the future of public services as we know it. Democracy is threatened, not only by the complete lack of public debate and parliamentary scrutinity, but also by the contents of the agreement. One important aspect of the possible agreement concerns regulation. The whole purpose of the global agreement is to limit the ability of governments at all levels (including at local level) to regulate and/or to remove regulations as these can be considered a hindrance to trade and investment. Examples include land zoning regulations, opening hours for shops and prohibiting internet gambling. It could easily be extented to new health and safety regulations, to environmental norms and licensing, patient safety and consumer protection. The US multinational Covanta wants to build an incinerator in Dublin. It is a controversial project with potential issues around noise, pollution and traffic of waste trucks. TISA would make it more difficult for Dublin Council to impose new restrictions – even if disgruntled local communities would demand so. Deregulation and private corporate interests for ever? What the secretive governments have agreed to consider is to match the deregulation and opening-up of services in their countries to match what has happened in other countries. Turkey, for example, has committed to opening hospital and medical services. Panama, another party in TISA, has committed to open up its primary and secondary education. The EU 10 TIsA – Trade in services Agreement – has been negotiated by a group of countries that call themselves the “really good Friends of services”. These countries include the european Union (and thus Ireland), the Us, Japan, canada, colombia, chile, Mexico, Australia, south Korea and Turkey among others. china and Uruguay have requested to join. These countries present 70% of global trade in services. negotiations have been going on for over two years since they started in early 2013. Ten bargaining rounds have taken place and the next one is scheduled for 913 February 2015. The aim of TIsA is to open services up for more competition. ePsU is the european Federation of Public services, bringing together over 260 trade unions in all european countries with a membership totalling of 8 million workers. ePsU is a member of the eTUc, the european Trade Union confederation. PsI, Public services International, is the global trade union federation for workers in public services. It has close to 20 million members in 650 unions across the globe. ePsU is the recognised european organisation of PsI. and Ireland would, therefore, have to match this. Environmental services (think of waste and energy) is also one of the sectors under consideration. But what these negotiations also seek is to ensure that a government cannot return a service, once privatised, to the public sector. Take again the Dublin Poolberg incinerator contract (a public-private partnership). It has already been the subject of considerable contraversy due to different interpretations of the figures involved. Imagine that the company wants to walk away if it does not believe it will make the profits it originally foresaw? (The private company Circle, for example, has just announced it is no longer interested in running the UK hospital hinchingbrooke as the profits are not as projected). But under TISA, the government is disallowed from bringing it back into public ownership. Interests behind TISA You probably did not ask for this agreement. Who, then, is pushing TISA? In short, it is being pushed by large service industries from the US, Europe, Australia and others. These lobby groups include companies like google, Walmart and Deutsche Bank. The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) is an active member of the European Services Forum. They want this deal that promises them larger market shares while also holding out the prospect of dealing government a blow by moving rules and regulations to a global level in such a way that local and national governments can no longer restrict, curtail and control. It also points to the prospect of societies run without publicly-owned and controlled services. As the Chair of the US Coalition in Services Samuel Di Piazza stated, the future is one where “free market priniciples can govern the investment in, and delivery of, services on a transnational scale”. The lesson the bankers have learned from the global financial crisis is that they can get away by running the system into the ground and get taxpayers’ money to bail them out. What is being done? What can we do? The TISA agreement is part of a series of trade agreements currently under negotiation. Together they have the potential to severely limit the ability of January/February 2015 Review Just the TTIP of threaten the iceberg... services GUEST COLUMN VIEWPOINT By Seán Carabini Picture: Dennis Skley (CC BY-ND 2.0) [email protected] THE Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations top the list of “things we should be talking about – but aren’t”. The TTIP talks are attempting to forge an economic agreement between the EU and the US in order to make trade and investment easier between the two areas. On the face of it, it sounds bland enough. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find plenty of issues that raise questions. First of all, much of the talks have been held in secret. We simply do not know enough about what is going on. Thus, it is not at all clear what areas are under consideration. Last year, the UK Trade Minister, Lord Livingston, admitted that items such as the privatisation of the NHS in the UK were on the table. If this is the case, what could it mean for other public services and utilities across the EU? As a public service trade union, we have obvious concerns. Although it has not made headlines, there is a vocal opposition to TTIP across both the EU and US. One of the main issues is the potential formation of a judicial arm of the agreement that would allow for an Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS). This could allow a corporation to sue a State that introduced a law that could harm real or perceived company profits. While the ISDS is intended as a mechanism to keep dispute costs down, a cautionary tale has emerged from Australia that has caused some disquiet. Basic principles national governments and municipalities to govern democratically. CETA (a deal between Canada and EU), TTIP (between the US and EU) and TPP (a deal involving the countries of the Pacific ocean) all seek the reduction of governments’ regulatory capacities in order to better protect companies’ investments. Together, these negotiations are a fundamental attack on public services and democracy. And yet, they are hardly noticed. Trade unions and social movements are mobilising to draw the awareness of workers and citiTogether these zens to what is at stake. norwegian PSI trade agreements unions have established an action committee have the potential to fight TISA and such groups are emerging to severely limit in more countries. In Ireland, Congress has governments’ ability been vocal in its criticism of TTIP. to govern Our global federation, PSI, has published democratically several briefings and mobilised active resistance globally. EPSU is part of several networks in Europe that closely monitor the negotiations, expose who is behind it and seek to convince MEPs, the European Commission and governments that these agreements should be stopped as they do not strengthen workers’ rights, democracy, improve the quality of public services or bring social justice closer. These are the values that we fight for – not a world run by corporations. “ R Review January/February 2015 An Australian Government plan to remove branding from tobacco product packages resulted in a big ISDS challenge from Philip Morris. Opening the policy decisions of a State up to corporate scrutiny has the potential to cost taxpayers a lot of money and could undermine the basic principles of a democratic society. TTIP would make it easier for corporations to operate in both the US and EU spheres simultaneously. Thus, TTIP seeks to find barriers to EU/US corporate activity and remove them. On the table, it seems, is a relaxing of international banking regulations. This is particularly worrying given the international agreements reached in recent years to address the problem of reckless banking activity and the severe financial crisis it caused to people on both sides of the Atlantic. In a submission to the European Parliament on the subject of TTIP, ICTU noted with concern that “TTIP is a manifestation of an aggressive neo-liberalism aimed at so circumscribing the policy space for governments that politics will be separated from economics such that it will not matter what kind of government is elected.” TTIP has not captured the public imagination because it appears to be far removed from the day to day lives of the average citizen. However, it is now time to pay a bit more attention to it given that it has the possibility to undermine both public services themselves and the ability of citizens to be the ultimate decision makers in a democracy. R Picture: McKay Savage (CC BY 2.0) 11 OPEN LETTER Addressed to: Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe Dear Governor McAuliffe, I am writing on behalf of the 10,500 members of the Public Service Executive Union in Ireland. As public servants our members would not seek nor expect to be allowed to deny public services to people because of their sexual orientation. To do so would to our mind be direct and unjustified discrimination against fellow citizens for no good reason. You will not be surprised to hear, therefore, that we are astounded to learn that Virginia's legislative assembly is considering adopting legislation that would make it legal to deny service to lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. I understand that doctors, teachers, and so many others could refuse to treat and teach people just because of who they love. I urge you to use your good offices to ensure that no such legislation is put on your statute books. The cause of freedom and liberty, so much espoused by US citizens, cannot be served by enacting such blatantly discriminatory laws. Yours sincerely, Billy Hannigan Deputy General Secretary LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS Governor Terry McAuliffe Picture: Edward Kimmel (CC BY-SA 2.0) Arthur McLean Solicitors approved to provide legal services to PSEU members We offer special agreed fees for PSEU members and a free wills service We can assist with a full range of legal services, including: • Wills • Property • Family law • Litigation 12 Address 31 Parliament Street, Dublin 2 Telephone 01 6772519 Email [email protected] Web www.arthurmclean.ie January/February 2015 Review The Protected Disclosures Act 2014 sets out how to deal with situations where an employee decides voluntarily to make a ‘protected disclosure’ about ‘relevant wrongdoing’ ReviewFacts Whistleblowing ? An introduction to the 2014 Act A ‘worker’ is defined as being an employee, contractor, agency staff, temporary and former employees ? The information on the ‘relevant wrongdoing’ must have come to the attention of the worker in connection with their employment ? Workers are ‘protected’ when they make a ‘disclosure’ about a relevant wrongdoing in accordance with the legislation ‘When workers make a disclosure they benefit from a presumption of confidentiality and protection. Where an employee is threatened with dismissal on foot of having made a ‘protected disclosure’ a new form of protection in the form of ‘interim relief’ is available to prevent an unfair dismissal from going ahead’ ICTU Guide on Drafting a Whistleblowing Policy Picture: Andrew Craigie (CC BY 2.0) Review January/February 2015 Continued pages 14 & 15 13 Whistleblowing An introduction to the 2014 Act Protected space to expose wrongdoing THE Protected Disclosures Act 2014, commonly referred to as the ‘Whistleblowing Act’, is legislation introduced in an attempt to bring greater transparency to the state. It allows any ‘worker’ that has come across information showing ‘relevant wrongdoing’ to report it in a manner that allows them protection from retribution or punishment. This is not an exhaustive ‘how to’ guide. It is, rather, an introduction to the concept. The legislation encourages internal disclosures in the first instance. Where this may not be appropriate, there are alternative channels, including a list of ‘prescribed persons’ as designated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. It is also possible in some circumstances to disclose information to parties beyond this – but careful reading of the act and/or appropriate consultation is required in such cases, as such disclosures may carry unforeseen conse- quences in some cases. Whistleblowing protection is a welcome innovation. It creates a protected space in which wrongdoing can be exposed and ceased. All Government Departments should soon have an internal whistleblowing charter/guideline. The Labour Relations Commission is also preparing a guideline for places of employment. For PSEU members involved in drafting such charters, please note that ICTU has recently published a document online entitled Drafting a Whistleblowing Policy. What is a ‘relevant wrongdoing’? For the worker to be afforded the protection of the Act, the relevant wrongdoing(s) about which they are making a disclosure must refer to the types of such outlined in section 5 of the Act. They are: l offences that are or are likely to be committed; l miscarriage of justice; l failing to comply with legal obligations; l health and safety risks, including risks to the public as well as other workers; l damage to the environment; l the unauthorised use of public funds or resources; l oppressive discriminatory or grossly negligent action or inaction by a public body; and l information showing any matter falling into categories above may be destroyed. Advice and protected disclosure The Act notes that discussing the matter with a solicitor, barrister or fulltime trade union official about the operation of the Act in relation to a potential disclosure is in itself a protected disclosure and is, therefore, allowed. There are also other parties, such as Transparency International Ireland, that offer advice on making a Protected Disclosure. R Picture: EFF (CC BY 2.0) 14 January/February 2015 Review ReviewFacts How to make a protected disclosure STEP 1 Identify the responsible person and report internally. All Departments will have an internal policy on whistleblowing and will show the internal steps to take. If not, refer to LRC guidelines STEP 2 CONSIDERATIONS: Am I a ‘worker’ as ct? understood by the A Does it show wrongdoing? onable Would another reas person agree? I wish Did the information e to report come to m y in connection with m employment? re and Am I sure about whe e the how I want to mak disclosure? In some cases, you may judge it more appropriate to disclose to a ‘prescribed person’. Refer to the list of such as designated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform STEP 3 If there is a belief that evidence may be destroyed or if you believe you will be penalised by an employer, it is possible to report to others (including TDs, the Media etc) – but use of this facility will only be in exceptional cases. Consult and research before using this provision IMPORT AN vital tha T NOTE: It is t you in yourse f lf of the orm cor proced ures be rect for h an d – especia elly if choosin g Step 3 – to ensure t h a t your disclos ure is, in protect deed, ed More information: www.ictu.ie and www.transparency.ie Review January/February 2015 15 PAY NEWS Pensions issue resolved after talks UPDATE Pensionability of abolished allowances In 2012, the government announced the review of some allowances in the Public Service. This gave rise to a number of labour Court hearings. One issue that the COMMENT Court referred back to By Tom Geraghty [email protected] the parties for further discussion was that of the pensionability of allowances abolished prior to the retirement of the recipient. This issue has now been resolved in discussions between the Public Services Committee of ICTU and the Department of Public Expenditure and reform. Employees who would have had an expectation of the pensionability of an allowance and who lose it between 10 and 15 years before retirement will, at retirement, receive a payment of 1.5 times the pension foregone plus an amount equivalent to the portion of the retirement lump sum which the allowance would have generated and 1.5 times the survivors benefit foregone. Those within seven years of retirement will continue to be covered by the ‘three of the best of the last 10 years’ average to be used to calculate their retirement benefits, if the years chosen include the allowance. Those with partial cover under that formula, i.e., those within between seven and 10 years of retirement, will have the option of this formula or that which will apply to those within 10-15 years of retirement, whichever is more favourable. R Sick leave ‘look back’ WITH the application of new sick Leave Arrangements from the start of 2014, an anomalous situation was identified whereby staff with certain current illnesses could qualify for the critical Illness Protocol but staff who, for example, had similar illnesses in 2010-2013 were treated for ‘look back’ purposes in accordance with the new arrangements only. An obvious difficulty is the reluctance of doctors to certify an illness retrospectively as ‘critical’. In discussions between the Public services committee of IcTU and the Department of Public expenditure and reform, the matter has been resolved on the basis of an undertaking by that Department to remind managements across the Public service of their discretion to regard prior illness as qualifying for the critical Illness Protocol (cIP). It is worth reminding people that anybody to whom the cIP applies has paid sick leave entitlements that are double those of non-critical sick leave. When was it abolished? Between Between Within 7 years of retirement 10 & 15 years of 7 & 10 years of retirement date retirement date date When will I receive my pension? Lump sum: 1.5 times pension foregone + amount foregone from lump sum + 1.5 times survivors benefit foregone Best 3 in 10 years OUT & ABOUT Best of other two options Picture: Ken Teegardin (CC BY-SA 2.0) Transport,Tourism & Sport AGM Dublin, January 2015 16 January/February 2015 Review DSP NOTES Sense of proportion missing in report RACIST ABUSE CLAIMS Article based on 35 allegations... DSP make 1.5 million payments a week PrEPArIng an annual MEDIA PRIORITIES Massive contribution report provides an opmade by DSP staff is unlikely to portunity for a branch make the headlines committee to look back on a year’s activity. In doing that this week, I note that at the beginCOMMENT By Theresa Barrett ning of 2014 members [email protected] of our branch made newspaper headlines because of the number of physical and verbal assaults to which they were subjected. Unfortunately, as Review goes to print, staff in the Department of Social Protection are in the news again – only this time because of allegations of racist abuse perpetrated by a number of members of staff against some of our migrant customers. A report, based on a mere 35 cases, has been published. As the Department makes approximately 1.5 million payments weekly and engages Achievements of with a huge number of cusSocial Protection tomers face to face each spurious allegations against staff... should week, some small element of members of staff are being be shouted from dissatisfaction with the taken in cases where a Social the proverbial service provided would of Protection benefit is justifirooftops course be expected. ably denied. everywhere Indeed, the Let’s Root Out Indeed, many complaints Racism report commissioned by made against staff are found to this union provided an indication be malicious – but they are often so that many members had overheard their serious that they have a huge impact on colleagues making racist remarks about the officers concerned. customers. PSEU Deputy general Secretary Billy racist remarks and racist prejudices hannigan wrote to the Irish Times conhave no place anywhere and particularly cerning the recent media reports as he not in the public service and we would sought to offer some balance to the issue as never condone such behaviour. it was being reported, but the letter wasn’t however, these incidents of alleged published (It is, however, available to read racist abuse were never reported to the De- on the PSEU blog). partment either at the time or since. The As referred to in previous editions of ReDepartment has a complaints procedure. It view, the Department of Social Protection also values highly the concept of natural has now published a Culture and Values justice. Report. The report stemmed in part from Those officers of the Department were the opinions of the staff of the Department never afforded the opportunity to give and had a remarkable participation rate of their side of the story. 60%. Questions have begin to form in the The report is very much welcomed by minds of some members as to whether the PSEU and we believe it provides a very “ Review January/February 2015 Picture: Jon S (CC BY 2.0) honest look at the Department. It is to the credit of the staff of the Department that many of them selected ‘Public Service’, ‘Customer Focus’ and ‘Professionalism’ as their core values. The report contains much that the Department needs to work on and we will do our bit. We will continue to promote and participate in the Engagement and Innovation initiative. At a meeting with the Secretary general concerning the report, we noted the achievements of Social Protection staff in what was the worst crisis possible thrown at a government Department – and this at a time when Department had undergone enormous change. This is indeed remarkable and should be shouted about from proverbial rooftops everywhere – albeit it is probably never likely to make headline news anywhere. As the reporter in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance said: “This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend”. R 17 BRANCH NEWS Revenue Notes Cork aircon project set to commence Picture: Bamshad Houshyan (CC BY 2.0) ThE BUIlDIng Management in revenue house, Cork, have confirmed that the air-conditioning project is due to start on January 26. They have said that each floor will be split into four zones and the work in each zone will take approximately four to six weeks to complete. OPW have also indicated that the project will be completed by April 2016. The timeline for the project and the decanting of each zone still has to be finalised but the first area to move will be the ground floor, i.e. Cash Office, CSU, Intel Unit and Trade Facilitation. The next proposed area is the second floor but the order in which the four zones will be completed has yet to be finalised. Prior to each move the building management team will meet with managers in the area so as to highlight any issues or special requirements required to ensure the move to the decant area will run smoothly. There will be regular updates issued on the work. The Build- 18 FASTFACTS Picture: SuperFantastic (CC BY 2.0) In 2014, the Revenue Commissioners seized €120.6m worth of illegal drugs and tobacco products. Source: Revenue ing Management are aware that there will be considerable disruption to staff during the course of the project. If members working in revenue house have any issues or complaints to raise about the ongoing work they should contact: SWRegion-SupportServices @revenue.ie Overpayments still a significant issue AT A recent meeting with management it was noted that there still remain a high number of overpayments. These overpayments were caused by the system not being able to identify staff sick leave taken. When it is identified, staff have already been over-paid. This is the De- partmental Personnel officers and PeoplePoint’s top priority. As part of the service agreement, it is PeoplePoint’s decision to put people on half pay. There have been changes to PeoplePoint and the new sick Leave circular which has contributed to the fact that overpayments were noticed late. A special group has now been set up to look at this issue. some 30% of the overpayments relate to sick leave and 60% between Parental Leave and shorter Working year. There are enhancements planned for the system and once the improved system is in operation, it is envisaged the overpayments problem will be eliminated altogether. At the end of october 2014, there were 533 cases of overpayments. These new enhancements will enable senior managers to gauge the sick leave levels of staff. Promotion terms review claim made ThE revenue group has presented a claim to management which seeks a review of the implementation of the terms of the Arbitration Board’s determination of May 25, 2004 – which dealt with the system of promotion for the grades of Executive Officer, Administrative Officer and higher Executive Officer in the Office of the revenue Commissioners. It is to rectify any residual liabilities to the different methods of promotion determined as appropriate by the Arbitration Board. In 2004, the Arbitration Board set out that 75% of internal promotion should be by means of competitive, merit-based systems and that 25% should be by means of seniority subject to suitability. So far as the union is concerned these arrangements are binding on both the Official and Staff Sides unless varied or changed by agreement. The purpose of the claim is to establish the extent to which the terms of the Arbitration Board’s determination have been honoured. Just one click away Paul Moyer [email protected] PSEU blog at http://www.pseu.ie/branch-news/xxxx.286.html PSEU on Twitter @PseuTradeUnion January/February 2015 Review Support your family for less! Discounted Health Insurance* for members of Civil & Public Service *Unique discount for Civil & Public Service staff only available through Lyons Financial Services As the price of Health Insurance rises due to changes in tax relief, Lyons Financial Services are delighted to now offer a discounted Health Insurance plan, only available to members of the Civil & Public Service! The plan offers; ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ s¬ s¬ s¬ s¬ s¬ !CCESS¬TO¬0UBLIC¬(OSPITALS !CCESS¬TO¬0RIVATE¬(OSPITALS !CCESS¬TO¬THE¬"EACON¬(OSPITAL %XCELLENT¬-ATERNITY¬COVER -ONEY¬BACK¬ON¬DAY¬TO¬DAY¬MEDICAL¬EXCESS¬'0¬$ENTIST¬0HYSIOTHERAPIST To find out how to join the Plan contact Lyons Financial Services on 01 8015808 or email [email protected] Office 1, Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath Phone: 01 8015808 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lfs.ie Roisin Lyons t/a Lyons Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland Review January/February 2015 A5 Health Flyer.indd 1 19 19/11/2013 14:05 BRANCH NEWS PLI Notes Talks ongoing after transition success PrEMIEr lotteries Ireland national lottery staff have now transferred to Premier lotteries Ireland (PlI) following the successful transition on november 30, 2014. The issue of final pensionable pay was resolved and an lrC clarification issued on the matter. A letter has been issued to An Post Pensions board seeking clarification of the pension scheme in operation on the date of transition. There was a hearing at the labour Court on October 29, 2014 to consider the payment of compensation for loss of semi-state status. A binding recommendation rejected the claim. A number of issues have also arisen relating to changes in structures and responsibilities due to reduced staffing levels following voluntary exits, retirements and redeployments. negotiations on these are continuing with the next meeting scheduled for January 22, 2015. Changes to draw rotas and attendance at rTE will impact on earnings of our members. The union have written to PlI seeking a proposal to either maintain earnings or compensate for loss of these. l The AgM is scheduled for January 29, 2015. FASTFACTS Picture: Ken Teegardin (CC BY-SA 2.0) Talks ongoing after transition success Surveys of business executives show that the quality of Ireland’s public administration is seen as above the European average, and as having improved since 2010. Ireland came 3rd of the EU28 on this indicator in 2014, behind Finland and Sweden. Source: IPA eircom Notes Future of eircom and pay discussed The AgM of the eircom Branch took place on January 14, 2015 in 1 HsQ. At the AgM, shaun Davis was elected chairperson, while Tony Dowling was elected secretary and Tom Moran as Treasurer. Delegates to Annual conference were also agreed and the incoming committee was allowed to nominate substitutions if any nominated delegates are unable to attend. The small number nominated for the committee is a source of concern and any member interested in serving is asked to contact the branch secretary. The normal matters at the AgM were followed with an open discussion, with the Ags, eugene Quinn, and Branch officers taking questions An Post Notes from the floor. The main items discussed related to the 2.5% pay increases agreed commencing July 1, 2015 and related bonus scheme of 0-3%. The future of the company, state of its finances, pensions, restructurings and staff redundancies were also discussed. A detailed discussion also took place with regard to the future of the trade union movement with active participation of the members present. All members were encouraged to ask non-union colleagues to join the union. It was also noted that some new members were recruited from eircom.net and the concerns of these members will be addressed by the incoming committee. A raffle was held at the end of the meeting and the Treasurer provided the lucky winners with cash, spirits, wine and chocolates. Eugene Quinn [email protected] ThE MyStreams attendance recording system is currently being implemented. Centralisation of hr functions across divisions and hQ is scheduled to take place. A meeting was held to discuss the impact and a number of issues were raised. A report on these will be given to the AgM. An Post have written to the Branch proposing a performance management system for graded staff. The committee are considering this and will discuss this issue with members at the AgM. A meeting on pension issues for deferred pensioners, arising out of changes to the scheme, took place. A response is awaited. Issues relating to a small number of PCI staff who are also affected was included. Meanwhile, an Arbitration hearing under Tom Pomphrett on the loss of car parking in College house took place in early november and a decision is awaited. Meetings between the branch and a number of unions have also taken place and gS Tom geraghty has met with the officers on a number of occasions. A pay relativity claim has been submitted to the An Post JCC scheduled for February 2, 2015. l The AgM is scheduled for February 5, 2015 in the gPO. Protecting Public Services Your Personal PPS Number: 01 6767271 20 January/February 2015 Review EVENTS The Rowland Hill Memorial Fund €5k donation in honour of ex-RCPSA treasurer WORTHY CAUSE RCPSA President Frank Conway, far left, with Rowland Hill Memorial Fund Trustees By Seán Carabini An Post and eircom when they fall on hard times financially.” The rowland hill Memorial Fund was established in 1888 in memory of rowland hill – a public servant perhaps best remembered for introducing the ‘Penny Post’ system in 1839. The fund in Ireland dates back to 1928. The Fund, administered today by a board of Trustees, may grant assistance to those who find themselves in need because of poverty, age or infirmity. Martin lawlor, former rCPSA treasurer, was a leading figure in the rCPSA. The donation of €5000 in his name was endorsed by the rCPSA’s AgM in 2014 as a fitting tribute to his work. The rowland Hill Fund is open to serving members of An Post and eircom who wish to contribute. contribution rates currently stand at about €0.32 per week. For further information and an application form, please contact your Personnel Department. The retired civil and Public servants Association is a body that seeks to promote and publicise the issues of retired civil and public servants. In recent years, it has sought to give voice to numerous concerns, including the issue of public service pensions. More information, including membership application information, can be found on their website www.rcpsa.ie [email protected] On September 21, the retired Civil and Public Servants Association (rCPSA) made a presentation of €5000 to the rowland hill Memorial Fund to honour the memory of former rCPSA treasurer Martin lawlor, who passed away last year. The rowland hill Memorial Fund of Ireland provides financial support to both serving and former employees of both eircom and An Post when it is needed. Speaking at the event, Frank Conway, President of the rCPSA, noted that the fund “… does a tremendous amount of charity work. It provides help for people in Review January/February 2015 CHARITY WORK Frank Conway delivers speech 21 TRANSFERS & JOB SHARING JF01 EO, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, Newtown Road, seeks transfer to Social Welfare to gain more experience. Modern building, with flexi and car parking. JF02 HEO, (Auditor, Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General) seeks a transfer to any Government Department/Office in the Dublin West area or Dublin city centre. Especially interested in Revenue to broaden experience. Must be a qualified accountant, or currently studying for an accountancy qualification. Flexi-time and parking available. JF03 EO Courts Service Kilkenny seeks head to head transfer to any department in Tipperary. Flexi and car parking available. JF04 EO, full-time, Revenue Commissioners, Kilrush, Co. Clare seeks transfer to any Government Department/ Office in Ennis or Shannon. Flexi time and car parking available. JF05 AO (full-time) Revenue Commissioners, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 seeks transfer to Government Department in Westmeath/Roscommon/Offaly/east Galway (Athlone area preferred) for commuting reasons. Friendly office, interesting work and opportunity for good policy experience. Flexi-time available. JF06 EO, full-time, Dept of Social Protection, Goldsmith House, Dublin 2, seeks transfer/head to head to any Government Department in Co. Louth for family and commuting reasons. Flexi and free parking available. Work sharing options considered. JF07 EO, full-time, Courts Service, Smith- 22 >> If you wish to advertise for a transfer, please email the text you require published and your name and daytime phone number or email address (which will remain confidential) to [email protected] >> Should you wish to reply to a transfer, please email your name and daytime phone number, your current location and any other relevant details which we will then forward to the person who placed the ad. Please ensure that you quote the number of the ad in your reply. >> Advertisements for transfers will run in one edition of the magazine only. Editorial discretion applies. If you do not secure a transfer and want to run an ad in the next edition, please make contact with Gillian O’Sullivan or email [email protected] Job Sharing Transfers JF11 AO, Department of Public Expenditure & Reform seeks transfer to any Government Department/Office ideally in the south / southeast or Dublin region to broaden experience. Flexi-time and job-sharing available. Interesting and varied work. JF12 HEO, Revenue Commissioners, Dublin Castle seeks a head-to-head transfer to the Dept. of Education and Skills (Dublin) or the Dept. of Children and Youth Affairs. JF13 HEO, Full-time, Central Statistics Office, Rathmines Dublin 6 seeks head to head transfer to Government Department/Office in Midlands region (Laois/Offaly/Kildare/Carlow) for family reasons. Friendly office atmosphere with interesting and challenging work. Car park and Flexi-time available. JF14 HEO, Full-time, Department of Education and Skills, Athlone seeks head to head transfer to Government Department/Office in Dublin for family reasons. Friendly office and colleagues, flexi-time, parking and restaurant. Picture: Jenny Faber (CC BY 2.0) field seeks head to head transfer to Government Department in Dublin City Centre. Located beside Luas Red Line. Flexi-time, parking and canteen available. tice and Equality, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 seeks transfer to any Government Department on the north city side of Dublin. Flexitime and car parking available. JF08 EO, Worksharer OPW Trim Co Meath seeks transfer to Navan area for domestic reasons. Flexi and car parking available. JF10 EO, full-time, Department of Social Protection, Wexford town seeks head to head transfer to any other Government Department in Wexford town including Probation Service, Flexi-time and car-parking available. JF09 HEO, full-time, Department of Jus- JF15 HEO, Full-time, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin City, seeks head-to-head transfer to Government Department/Office in Kerry, Cork City or Cork County for family reasons. Friendly office atmosphere with interesting and challenging work. The Department’s offices are in close proximity to St. Stephen’s Green, flexi-time and free car-parking available. JF16 HEO, Full-time, Dept. Environment, Ballina, Co. Mayo seeks transfer to any Office in Castlebar/Claremorris for family and commuting reasons. Flexi-time and car parking available. January/February 2015 Review JF17 EO, Full-time, Garda Vetting Unit Ennis seeks transfer to any other Dept. in Ennis to broaden experience. Flexi-time and parking available. JF18 EO, Revenue Commissioners, Customs Division, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary seeks a transfer to any Government Office in Thurles, Clonmel or Kilkenny for commuting reasons. Free car parking & flexi time available. JF19 Full-Time EO/HR Analyst, DPER, HRSSC, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4 Seeks Transfer/Head to Head Swap to Government Dept./Office/Agency in Dublin City Centre or South Dublin to broaden professional experience. Car parking and flexi time available and also close to Public Transport. Very friendly office. JF20 EO, Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Dublin 2, seeks transfer to any government Department in Dublin 15, Dublin 7, Dublin 1 Dublin 8 Northside or South East Meath for Commuting reasons. Small friendly office varied and interesting work. Parking and flexi time available. JF21 HEO (Auditor, Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General) seeks a transfer to any Government Department / Office in Dublin City centre or Dublin northside. Must be a qualified accountant or currently studying for an accountancy qualification. Flexi-time and parking available. JF22 EO, Full-time, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Tullamore seeks transfer to any Government Department in Mullingar for family and commuting reasons. Job sharing considered. Flexi-time and Review January/February 2015 car parking available. JF23 HEO, IT unit, Full-time, Dept of Education and Skills, Marlborough St, Dublin 1, seeks lateraltransfer to IT unit within any other Dublin based Department. Central location,flexitime and car parking available. JF24 HEO, Killarney, seeks head to head transfer to any Government Department in the Kerry Region. JF25 EO, Property Registration Authority, Dublin City Centre. Friendly Office. Wishes to transfer to Revenue, Listowel, Co. Kerry from August 2015 for family reasons. Would consider a work share position to facilitate a transfer. Fairness Restoration Growth JF26 HEO, Revenue Wexford, seeks transfer to any other Department in Wexford area. Parking available. JF27 HEO, Full-time, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Merrion Street, Dublin 2, seeks transfer to any Government Department or Office in counties Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim or Longford for personal reasons. City centre location. Flexi time available. JF28 HEO, Loughrea, Co. Galway seeks transfer to any Department in Galway city for commuting reasons. Friendly and interesting work environment. Flexitime, canteen and car parking available. PSEU Annual Delegate Conference, April 16-17, 2015 23 EQUALITY & SOLIDARITY PSEU backs Paternity Leave By Seán Carabini [email protected] ThE PSEU has welcomed a statement from Equality Minister Aodhán Ó ríordáin on the issue of the introduction of paid Paternity leave in Ireland. Minister Ó ríordáin said: “Most European countries have statutory paternity leave. We don’t. I think an introduction of two weeks paid paternity leave would be welcome.” Paternity leave is being looked at as part of the drafting of the Family leave Bill. The Bill seeks to streamline and consolidate provisions including Carer’s leave, Adoptive leave, Maternity leave and Parental leave. The drafting of the Bill is seen as an ideal opportunity to introduce the concept of Paternity leave into Irish law. At present, the drafters are considering introducing a two-week paid leave provision for fathers. The cost to the Exchequer for the provision of the leave is thought to be about €10m per annum. When asked about how confident he was that the Bill, including the Paternity leave provision, would pass, Minister Ó’ríordáin replied: “I am as confident as I can be at this stage that there will be two weeks paid paternity leave in that legislation but there is no definite in Irish politics.” he added: “Things can change and priorities can change but I know that I’m committed to it and I know that Minister Fitzgerald is committed to it and as I say it’s an important start to the conversation about what we want from Irish society for children for parents, for families.” PSEU Equality Officer Billy hannigan has welcomed the announcement, noting that the union had long called for the enactment of such a provision. he said: “Paid Paternity leave is COMMITTED Ó Ríordáin an area in which Ireland has lagged behind the rest of Europe. The introduction of such a measure could only be of benefit to society as a whole.” Picture: Labour Youth (CC BY 2.0) BABY BLUES While most other EU countries have statutory Paternity Leave, Ireland doesn’t SOLIDARITY NOTES By Eugene Quinn >> Contributions are due from the Branches for 2015. Members should urge their Branch Committee to donate to this vital cause. A circular outlining minimum recommended contributions will issue. 24 [email protected] >> The What in the World series 8 was broadcast on rTE 1 in December 2014. Viewing figures showed an increase on the previous series. The union received credits on one of the programmes for our sponsorship. Picture: European Parliament ((CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) >> Members are reminded that the link to ICTU global Solidarity site is www.ictu.ie/globalsolidarity January/February 2015 Review LIFESTYLE What HIIT can do for you IN FOCUS High Intensity Interval Training AT ThIS stage there is a significant amount of research that shows that the ideal form of exercise is done in short bursts of high intensity (high Intensity Interval Training – or hIIT). The argument is that it is better than conventional cardio as the most effective and efficient form of exercise. Also, it provides health benefits you simply cannot get from regular aerobics, including a tremendous boost in human growth hormone (hgh, aka the "fitness hormone”). Studies A study published in the Journal of Obesity1 reported that 12 weeks of hIIT can not only result in significant reductions in total abdominal, trunk, and visceral fat, but also can give you significant increases in fatfree mass and aerobic power. Other research published in the journal Cell Metabolism2 shows that when healthy but in- 10 MIN WALK & DYNAMIC STRETCHING 8 X 200m or 8 X 30s 90 secs recovery between reps Once a week for first 4 weeks Then twice a week 3 days between sessions active people exercise intensely, even if the exercise is brief, it produces an immediate measurable change in their DnA. Yet another study found that unfit but otherwise healthy middle-aged adults were able to improve their insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation after just two weeks of interval training (three sessions per week).3 A follow-up study found that interval training positively impacted insulin sensitivity. In fact, the study involved people with full-blown type 2 diabetes, and just OnE interval training session was able to improve blood sugar regulation for the next 24 hours!4 Method The simplest way to undertake this form of exercise is to do a gentle 10-minute walk followed by some dynamic stretching to get the muscles well warmed-up. At this time of the year, it also crucial to wear appropriate gear, including leggings, to keep your legs warm and to avoid injury such as hamstring tears. Thereafter, do 8 x 200 metres or 8 x 30 seconds with a 90-second interval or recovery between each effort. Initially build this into your training programme once a week for the first four weeks. After that it can do it twice a week with three days between such sessions. By George Maybury [email protected] Journal of Obesity vol 2012 (April 6, 2012) Cell Metabolism March 7, 2012: 15(3); 405-411 Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Oct 2011 4 Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, 2012 Jan 23 [Epub ahead of print] 1 2 3 R Review January/February 2015 Picture: lu_lu (CC BY-NC 2.0) 25 CONVERSATIONS Taking stock ICTU President David Begg How did you become involved? I became involved in 1975. I was a technician in the ESB. I showed up to a meeting and there were lots of vacancies and no candidates – so I can’t put it down to popular acclaim! Having been involved in the merger of two unions to form the CWU, do you have any advice for unions that are currently exploring closer cooperations – or even possible mergers – with other unions? In my experience the members are generally more in favour of it than those in governance. Members can see the appeal on the ground. If a case can be made, it’s worth exploring. It is important to note that there is a need to satisfy members that their service will not diminish however and that quality will be ensured. The one place that we’ve tried a more integrated approach was in setting up the KEY QUESTION nevin Economic research Institute and that’s been a huge success. During your time at ICTU, Ireland has experimented with – and left behind – Social Partnership. What are your thoughts on how it performed? It is difficult to accept the media criticism of Social Partnership because it did not cause the crisis. We had a banking crisis – not a fiscal crisis. It’s a load of nonsense. In fact, at the start of the crisis, Ireland had one of the best Debt to gDP ratios in Europe – about 25%. The idea of Social Partnership is fully embedded to the economies of the nordic countries and others. It goes back to the 1930s – a reaction to the depression. The model is a way of dealing with international capitalism. It accepts that a small country cannot have a dramatic impact on markets and looked at a partnership or a democratic corporatism model as the best way to deal with it. We will be back to Social Partnership. We have no choice as a small open economy. Are you concerned at the drop in trade union membership rates of younger people? history shows that people push back against the market forces that enclose them. We’re the only movement with a capacity for engaging with social justice. We are unique in our ability to act in the marketplace. Where will we be in the next 10 years? It’s very hard to know. It’s in our own hands. Have you considered your legacy? I don’t think it’s important. The movement is 200 years old. I see the trade union movement being there in another 200 years. We’re all just actors on a stage. You just do the best you can. What are the challenges that face us? Our debt will be a drag on economic growth. It will impose restrictions on our capacity to pay. On top of that, we have high costs, such as childcare, etc. We tend to equivocate the idea of a social wage. We equivocate taxes and public services – or the idea that if we pool more resources we can get a better deal. There will also be a challenge from moving to a low carbon economy. It involves difficult choices. how do we tell 100,000 or more Polish coal miners that their jobs are under threat? There is a sense of ‘back to business as usual’ – but what the financial crisis revealed is a global capitalist system that was unstable. In Ireland, we have all the risks with none of the protections. Ireland will also face a problem of an aging population. It creates difficulties with the affordability of healthcare and age-related illnesses, pension challenges and so on. A contracting population will be an issue. 26 Picture: Photocall Ireland Ireland will also have challenges with the EU. At the moment, with the EU, we’re like the hen in a breakfast. We provide the egg. Europe will likely face a choice of the Euro breaking up or at the Eurozone becoming a more integrated area. If that happens, we move from becoming the hen to being the pig. And it will happen at a time when the UK – one of our most important trading partners – is moving further and further away from the EU. And that will be a challenge for the island of Ireland. David Begg talked to Seán Carabini R January/February 2015 Review C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 5 CROSSWORD Tonox 01/15 SPONSORED BY CALL US ON 1890 989 511 The winner of Tonox 06/14 is: Graham Halley, Dept Defence, Newbridge, Co. Kildare A prize of €65 will be awarded to the first correct solution opened. Crossword entries for Tonox 01/15 should be addressed to: The Editor, Public Service Review, 30 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 to arrive not later than Friday,13 March 2015 Name ……………………………………………………………………………………... Across 1. Renovate or repair, or become Dracula again (6) 4. Small Frenchman – scored in 1998 World Cup final (5) 8. Fifty one, six, five hundred is furiously angry (5) 9. Glass tube used to measure or transfer liquid (7) 10. Scottish sailor - inspired Daniel Defoe (7) 11. Sing badly at Turf Moor (4) 12. Executive Officers look for the goddess of the dawn (3) 14. AKA Derek William Dick (4) 15. Leavened bread baked in a clay oven (4) 18. British federation of Trade Unions, and biscuit (3) 21. A break in relations, and Great African Valley (4) 23. Italian whey cheese (7) 25. German Art School and English Goth band (7) 26. Group enjoying superior social or economic status (5) 27. Chief architect of the Third Reich (5) 28. The A in CAB (6) Down 1. Derive pleasure from a sauce (6) 2. Vivienne gets the German store to Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter (7) 3. This before movies Cowboy and Run. (8) 4. 9 across gave the trainer a start (4) 5. Satellite of Saturn (5) 6. Get set on the double to fly (3,3) 7. Location of Liverpool John Lennon airport (5) 13. This used to be 42.195 km (8) 16. Tap dancer and actor (1899-1987) (7) 17. Payments made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt judgment (6) 19. David Cronenberg film (1996) and Paul Haggis film (2004) (5) 20. Personal attendants slave about tea (6) 22. By any chance is this a parasitic flatworm? (5) 24. Declan captained Tipp to All-Ireland success (4) SOLUTIONS Tonox 06/14 Across 1. Cocoon; 4. Dalek; 8. Apple; 9. Lithium; 10. Solomon; 11. Weld; Work Address ………………………………………………………………………….... Union Branch ………………………………………………………………………….... 12.Chi; 14. Dior; 15. Nips; 18. SAS; 21. Also; 23. The Tall; 25. Lautrec; 26. Petit; 27. Nests; 28. Blacks Down 1. Clause; 2. Capaldi; 3. Overmars; 4. Duty; 5. Loire; 6. Komodo; 7. Blanc; 13. Interpol;16. Plastic; 17. Callan; 19. Stich; 20. Sloths; 22. Skuas; 24. Ares
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