Number 41 of 2009

AN ACT, IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REDUCTION OF THE REMUNERATION OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE (INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS AND CERTAIN OFFICE HOLDERS), AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS.

[20th December, 2009]

WHEREAS a serious disturbance in the economy and a decline in the economic circumstances of the State have occurred and are continuing, which threaten the well-being of the community;

AND WHEREAS as a consequence a serious deterioration in the revenues of the State has occurred and there are significant and increasing State commitments;

AND WHEREAS it is necessary to take urgent measures to reduce the significant shortfall between expenditure and revenue and to reduce the unsustainable levels of public borrowings consequent on the deterioration in those revenues;

AND WHEREAS it is necessary to reduce State expenditure to maintain international confidence and to protect the State's credit ratings;

AND WHEREAS it is necessary to take urgent steps to help restore the State's competitiveness;

AND WHEREAS it is necessary for the State to achieve significant savings in its expenditure, both directly and indirectly, on remuneration -

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS AS FOLLOWS: