Public servants who have been on low pay rates for the last seven years will be officially given pay increases under new proposals set out by the Government.
The news of the pay rises which will begin in 2019 was confirmed by the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.
It is expected from March 2019 public servants who have been on long standing contracts will recieve an average increase of €3,000.
In his announcement made this afternoon, the Minister for Finance said the agreement would deliver a fair and affordable solution.
He did however warn that the deal only applies to unions that currently remain within the current public service pay agreement.
It is expected the increases will cost €27 million in 2019, and a further €48 million in 2020.