The speed of the work must not increase the costs of the construction of the temporary border fence, Government Spokesperson Zoltán Kovács said on the programme Tonight of the public service television channel M1.

In answer to the question whether it may add to the costs that the Prime Minister set such a “relatively tight” deadline for the construction of the border fence, Mr Kovács said: the Government gave instructions for the commencement of the construction works three weeks ago, and preparations are already under way.

The Government Spokesperson said in reply to the question whether individuals participating in the public works schemes would also be involved in the construction of the fence in addition to members of the military and police forces: the public works schemes are not necessarily the most appropriate form of employment for the construction of the border fence, but should the opportunity arise in local circumstances, this option cannot be ruled out.

In the context of the care provided for migrants, the Government Spokesperson said: the Government welcomes the efforts of non-governmental and charitable organisations in joining the ranks of those providing care for the migrants accommodated at the reception stations.

In response to the remark that international and non-governmental organisations are concerned about the contemplated amendment of the asylum regulations, Mr Kovács said: the Government is in daily contact with the UN and civil-society organisations – mentioning the Helsinki Committee as an example –, but in his words, “we need to act today, rather than talk”.

The Government Spokesperson pointed out: we must curb illegal border-crossing by strictly enforcing the existing regulations, and if necessary, by making them more stringent. In reference to the Swiss model, he added: there are European countries where these proceedings are conducted very swiftly.

Pay of public service workers in the lowest income category may increase by 50 per cent as of next year

The Government will seek to start a fifty-per cent pay rise for public service workers in the lowest pay category as of next year, Mr Kovács said.

The Government Spokesperson stressed: for instance, in the case of customer service employees, “it is quite obvious” that their pay is not in proportion to their work. He added: the Government has been saying for some time that this pay rise is necessary, and will attempt to start this salary increase with regard to the opportunities afforded by the budget as of next year.

The Government Spokesperson also said on M1 that some 40,000 people have availed themselves of the family home settlement benefit to date. This is a good sign, he said, because it clearly indicates that there is considerable demand for this form of support. Mr Kovács added: applications should be granted in the largest possible numbers, and the Government will reallocate funds from the reserves of the budget in order to support this family benefit.

(Prime Minister's Office)