asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the particulars of the "cuts" in civil servants' salaries which have been proposed to the heads of Departments, and the date from which it was proposed to apply them; the total amount which would be saved to the Exchequer by these "cuts" in a full year; and the amount which he estimates would be so saved in the current year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Cuts.
The proposed cuts in Civil Service salaries are on a scale commencing with a cut of 2½ per cent. on basic salaries from £201 to £250 per annum. The percentage rises for each £50 of salary to a maximum of 20 per cent. on salaries from £1,451 to £1,500. It is proposed to apply the cuts as from a date still to be determined, but not earlier than 1st July. The total amount of the cuts (including the reduction of cost of living bonus which would follow the reduced basic pay) would produce in a full year with the percentage reductions applied in full approximately £80,000. The reduction to be effected in the current year depends on the date from which the cuts operate. If the date determined upon is the 1st July, it is proposed that one-half only of the percentage reduction should apply for the first six months, and the full percentage for the remaining three months of the current financial year. On this basis the total reduction would be about £40,000 in the present year.