AHCPS CIRCULAR 25.2026 Re: Public Service Pay Campaign – Work-to-Rule Industrial Action and Derogations

25 September 2026

To: All AHCPS Members

Dear Member,

I refer to Circular Letter 24/2026, which outlined the results of the Association’s industrial action ballot and the work-to-rule industrial action commencing on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Please find attached a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document, which we hope will address queries arising from the work-to-rule instruction. This document will be updated as necessary as the industrial action progresses.

Budget 2027 – Limited Derogation

The Association recognises the importance of the Budget process and, on an exceptional and ad hoc basis, has agreed to a limited derogation from the work-to-rule instruction to facilitate the preparation and delivery of Budget 2027.

This derogation has been granted at the Association’s discretion and does not constitute acceptance of the Department’s interpretation of paragraph 89(2) of the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme, nor does it imply any obligation on the Association to grant such a derogation under that provision.

The derogation will apply exclusively to:

• Finance Units within Government Departments, insofar as their work relates directly to the preparation and delivery of Budget 2027.
• Staff engaged directly in the preparation and delivery of Budget 2027 in the Department of Finance, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the Houses of the Oireachtas.
• Staff in other Government Departments and Offices whose attendance or direct involvement is required for the preparation, presentation and passage of the Budget, associated financial resolutions and related legislation. This includes, but is not limited to, relevant staff in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Youth.

The derogation is strictly limited to the period from 30 September to 7 October 2026 and to work directly associated with the preparation, presentation and passage of Budget 2027, including the associated financial resolutions and related legislative measures.

Members whose duties fall within the scope of this derogation may undertake the necessary Budget-related work during this period, including additional attendance where required for that purpose. The work-to-rule instruction remains in force in respect of all other duties and activities.

This exceptional arrangement is without prejudice to the Association’s position regarding the interpretation or application of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme and shall not be regarded as establishing a precedent in respect of any future industrial action or requests for derogations.

If you have any further questions regarding the work-to-rule instruction or the application of the Budget derogation, please contact info@ahcps.ie.

Please ensure that this circular is circulated to all members in your branch.    This circular is also available on the website.

Yours sincerely,

Ciaran Rohan

General Secretary