Members of the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS) are meeting in Dublin this week to debate a wide-ranging set of motions covering pay, artificial intelligence safeguards, flexible working arrangements and family-related leave entitlements, including surrogacy leave.
The annual conference comes at a sensitive time for the civil and public service, with rising workloads, recruitment pressures and expectations of reform shaping discussions across departments.
A significant portion of the motions focus on pay, ahead of the next round of public sector pay talks. Members are calling for salary adjustments that better reflect increased responsibilities, accountability and workload demands across senior civil service roles. The proposals also highlight concerns over the cost of living and the challenge of retaining experienced professionals in leadership positions within the public service.
Artificial intelligence is another key issue on the agenda. Several motions call for stronger safeguards around the use of AI in decision-making processes within government departments. One resolution urges the introduction of a “Human-in-the-Loop” guarantee from the Department of Public Expenditure, ensuring that no final decision relating to public policy, resource allocation or citizens’ rights is made solely by automated systems.
Flexible and remote working arrangements are also under scrutiny. One motion raises concerns about attempts by some departments to alter previously agreed blended working arrangements. It calls for consistent application of the Civil Service Blended Working Framework and argues that departments should not be able to change arrangements unilaterally.
Family leave policy is another area of focus, with members highlighting the absence of a statutory surrogacy leave scheme. The motion argues that this gap creates inequality for staff and fails to reflect changing patterns of family formation in Ireland. Proposals also include calls for an extension of paid paternity leave.
The AHCPS represents more than 4,500 civil servants and managers across 50 branches in both commercial and non-commercial state bodies. Ahead of the conference, nearly 2,000 members took part in a survey examining workplace concerns and priorities.
The findings show that 68 percent of respondents believe there are insufficient training opportunities on artificial intelligence for public servants. More than a quarter of those working under blended arrangements said they are now working longer hours than before the introduction of flexible working.
General Secretary Ciaran Rohan said the survey reflects both the opportunities and challenges facing the public service.
“Our members recognise the opportunities that technologies such as AI can bring to public service delivery, but they are also clear that implementation must be supported by robust governance, clear policies, proper training and ongoing engagement with workers,” he said.
He added that flexible working arrangements remain central to attracting and retaining staff, while also supporting wellbeing and productivity in a changing workplace environment.
