asked the Minister for Justice if he will state on what basis the cut in District Court clerks' salaries has been made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - District Court Clerks' Salaries.
Since the commencement of the current financial year deductions have been made from the salaries of District Court clerks, as in the case of all other officers, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Services (Temporary Economies) Bill, 1933. The deductions in the case of District Court clerks who have been established as whole-time officers are calculated in accordance with the scale set out in paragraph (a) of Part IV of the Schedule to the Bill: in all other cases a deduction at the rate of 5 per cent. has been made in accordance with paragraph (b) of the said Part IV of the Schedule which relates to part-time officers.
I am aware that difficulties have arisen in determining whether, for the purposes of the Bill, some of these clerks are whole-time or merely part-time and the question of the expenses to be allowed when ascertaining the net salary has also arisen. These questions will be settled as soon as possible and the total deduction to be made over the entire financial year will be adjusted accordingly.
I understand that the District Court clerks object to the salary being cut in view of the fact that the Bill is not law yet. Do the Government consider they have a legal right to impose the cut in the absence of the necessary legislation?
They have done it.