asked the Minister for Justice if he will state on what date he received representations from the Gárda Representative Council regarding the restoration of their salaries and what communications he has addressed to them in the interval.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gárda Pay Cuts.
On the 6th June I received from the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána a memorandum submitted by the men's representative body on the subject of pay and allowances of the men of the force. The Commissioner was informed that the representations therein would receive careful consideration and that a reply thereto would be addressed to him in due course. On the 2nd November last I received from the Commissioner a copy of a resolution passed by the officers' representative body on the subject of the scales of pay for officer ranks. This communication has been acknowledged.
Can the Minister say what progress has since been made with the consideration of this matter and the point at which the whole matter now stands?
All aspects of the matter have to be considered together. As the Deputy will observe, it was only on the 2nd November that I received a copy of the resolution passed in reference to certain scales of pay. A decision will be reached as early as possible.
Is it not true that the first application came under the Minister's notice five months ago, and is it not time, after such a period has elapsed, that some decision should be given? What is the reason for the delay?
One can presume that the House will adjourn within two weeks. Does the Minister hope to be in the position to announce a decision before then?
I hope so, but I cannot give any definite undertaking.