To ask the President whether he is aware that inasmuch as the Irish Staffs attached to the British Ministry of Pensions are controlled from London all matters affecting their pay or wages appear to be governed by the Cost of Living figures that may be ascertained in Great Britain; that a reduction of such pay was made in September, 1922, again in December, 1922; that a third reduction is about to be made as from March 1st; that this third reduction is based on an average cost of living figure of 80; whether the ascertained Irish cost of living figure for March, 1923, is as low as 80; if not, whether he will make representations to the British Ministry of Pensions to have the wages paid on an Irish cost of living basis.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ ORAL ANSWERS. ] - BRITISH MINISTRY OF PENSIONS' STAFFS.
This is a purely British service, and it is not open to the Free State Government to make representations concerning the remuneration of the staff, which is entirely a matter for the British Ministry of Pensions.
Mr. BYRNE
With reference to the latter portion of the question, will the Minister make some appeal to the British Ministry through an Ambassador in London?
I am afraid I could not accept that suggestion.