The Public Service Commission will not enter into a public debate on the 5 percent pay restoration and full back pay issue.

Those were the words of Permanent Secretary Taina Tagicakibau in reply to Confederation of Public Sector Unions Spokesperson and Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Agni Deo Singh's comments about the interim government reneging on its deal with the unions that there would be a pay restoration given to civil servants with full back pay.

This deal was signed by the Fiji Public Service Association, the Fiji Teachers Union and the interim government.

Tagicakibau said Singh should know full well that the matter is under the labour machinery and is before the tribunal and as a result she does not want to get into a public debate over the matter.

PSC Chairman Rishi Ram had earlier announced that civil servants will receive the remaining 2 percent pay restoration this week.

Meanwhile, the Arbitration Tribunal is expected to meet this Friday to set a date for a proper hearing on the issue of the back dating of civil servants' pay.