asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is now in a position to announce a decision on the claim for increased wages submitted to him by the Post Office Workers' Union in September, 1934.
Céisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Workers' Wages.
As the Deputy has already been informed, I am not in a position to announce a decision on the wages claim submitted by the Post Office Workers' Union until the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Civil Service has been received and examined.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that as long ago as June last, a very definite hope was expressed by his Department, that a decision on the claim would be given in July? It is now the 30th of October so that a long period has elapsed since he expressed that hope. Would he not consider at this stage that a decision should be given without waiting for the Commission's report, seeing that it was only last month that he found this claim had any relation to the Commission?
Mr. Boland
The hope was expressed but not realised. We hope shortly to have the report of this Commission and we hope that that hope will be realised.
The Minister is very unfortunate in keeping appointments with the calendar. Can he say, with an approximate hope, when this decision will be available?
Mr. Boland
I am not in a position to do so; but I hope shortly.
Will the Minister be in the position to announce a decision within the next fortnight?
Mr. Boland
I cannot say; a Commission is a body that takes its own time. It has been asked to expedite its report.
So this Commission is a dodge to delay decision of this claim?
That is not a question, Deputy.