collective bargaining
had a bad social influence, it must be noted that the OPEC recessions of the 1970's would have had been a contributing factor to all of the above.
In 1987 the government, trade unions and the FUE negotiated the PNR. Other than the provisions for pay increases, social issues were taken into consideration: 'The programme was to cover the period up to the end of 1990 and entailed the following provisions: -The creation of a fiscal, exchange and monetary climate conducive to economic growth. This included a commitment that the ration of debt to GNP should be reduced to between 5 and 7 percent; -movement towards greater equity and fairness in the tax system -measures to generate employment opportunities -Reduction of social inequalities" (Gunnigle et al, 1995; 191..192)
Overall the PNR proved to be a successful venture, although it was helped along by the boom period of the late 80's. There was substantial economic growth, a reduction in the debt to GNP ratio and a decline in strike levels (Gunnigle et al, 1995).
The PESP contained similar, but widened social commitments to the PNR. While not as entirely successful as the PNR, the PESP had its positive social influences in the form of low interest rates and low inflation, in spite of the recession of the early 1990's. Industrial peace also continued throughout this period.
The PCW, like the two programmes before it, focused on social issues in increasing strength. As this programme is still running, we can say little about its success or otherwise, other than to say that there is still relative industrial peace, sustained economic growth and low inflation and interest rates.
In the above discussions on the three programmes, I have only considered the more obvious social benefits, i.e.. those which the programmes set out to achieve. There are other social benefits which follow on from those discussed above. One of the most important of these is confidence in the Irish economy. With industrial harmony, low interest rates, low inflation and sustained growth comes confidence in the economy. One indicator of the fact that the programmes inspire confidence is this: In 1987, when the PNR was being negotiated, the Federated Union of Employers had to be coerced into the negotiations. Yet in 1993, 95% of senior personnel managers were in favour of a further PESP style agreement. (Gunnigle et al, 1995). The stability of the agreements has provided management with a situation where they can be reasonably sure of what is coming and can plan ahead based on that. The programmes have also allowed successive governments to plan ahead, something normally unheard of. Previously, governments had tended to plan for one fiscal year in the form of the budget, but now we have a situation where they are planning for three years with the programmes. The programmes have also provided a sense of continuity, as successive governments from all political parties have continued the programmes. This form of planning ahead has allowed significant progress in the areas of debt reduction, social [next page]