A pre-Budget debate took place in the Dáil on Tuesday, although debate did not seem the right word for the period I listened to it; strenuous efforts were being made to shout down whoever was trying to speak. Opposition parties have, for the most part, agreed that savings of €4m are required but the suggestions for achieving this did not add up.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen twice gave hints as to what will be included in the Budget. In the pre-Budget debate he said that the country cannot afford to continue to pay social welfare at current rates but added that the issue will be reviewed “with care and consideration”. In the same debate Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan made it clear that “having 50% of earners out of the tax net is not viable if we want to fund the range of services we expect Government to provide”. That would suggest that he will be reducing some personal tax allowances in the budget.

Addressing a pension funds awards ceremony in Dublin on Wednesday Mr Cowen intimated that State pensions will not be affected by the December 9 budget. At least that is how it was interpreted by most observers. He told the audience at the European Pension Funds awards that he had no intention of undoing the good work carried out in improving living standards over the years, and that pensioners “will not be adversely affected by the decisions we have to make”. I think he could also have made that statement if he intended to reduce the State pension by the rate of deflation the country has experienced in the past year.

Unions involved in the 24-hour strike in the public service tomorrow have said there will be at least one further day of strikes unless the Government gives guarantees in relation to pay. Peter McLoone, chairman of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, has said there will be one more day of action before the Budget on December 9.

Among those voting to take part in the strike were the 3,000 members of the Association of Higher and Senior Civil Servants who earn between €60k and €100k per annum. The vote in favour was 60% to 40%.

While most union members taking part in tomorrow's day of industrial action will be picketing throughout the day, the members of the Association of Secondary Schools in Ireland have decided to hold a 90-minute picket beginning at 8.30am. The union has defended the decision, saying that its members will still be losing a day's pay, while the National Parents' Council has said that if the teachers are going to strike there should be no half-measures. Christmas shopping would appear to be on the agenda.

The HSE has announced that non-emergency procedures will be cancelled tomorrow during the one-day strike, and outpatient appointments will be rescheduled. More than 40,000 nurses, other professional staff and administrative staff are expected to take part in the industrial action but doctors will continue to work as usual.
The one positive decision arising from the strike is that those involved in emergency work relating to floods have agreed to work as normal.

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