The current public service pay agreement – Public Service Agreement 2024 to 2026 provides for general round increases totaling 9.25%, as well as a provision for a Local Bargaining mechanism equivalent to 1% of the basic pay cost.
Under the current Agreement to date, public servants have benefited from pay increases totaling 7.25%. There are two further general round increases due to be implemented in 2026, with an increase of 1% or €500 on 1 February 2026 and an increase of 1% on 1 June 2026. The Agreement expires at end-June 2026.
Separately, the Agreement contains a Local Bargaining provision which allows management and unions and staff representative associations to negotiate changes to pay and terms and conditions up to a maximum of 3% of pay costs for the relevant grade. The first instalment under this provision, equivalent to 1% of pay costs, has an effective date of 1 September 2025 and forms part of the current Agreement, with the balance will fall to be addressed in any successor pay agreement.
Negotiations are ongoing at a local level across the civil and public service. As engagement in the Local Bargaining process remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details related to grades or progress at this time. In accordance with the terms of the local bargaining mechanism agreements reached under this mechanism will be published by the relevant sector.
