asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has received proposals from the Carlow Urban District Council to grant an increase of 5/- per week to the council's employees, and if he will state whether he has sanctioned the increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Carlow Council's Workers.
A proposal to grant an increase of 5/- per week in the wages of certain employees of the council was received. The council were informed that the proposal was not approved.
Can the Minister say why it is not approved?
Well, for one thing the wages of which those people were already in receipt were far above the limit provided for by Emergency Powers (No. 83) Order and Emergency Powers (No. 166) Order.
Does not the Minister know that the cost of living has increased by 30 per cent. during the last few years, and, bearing that in mind, does he think an increase of 5/- per week in respect of those workmen an unreasonable amount to meet that increase of 30 per cent. in the cost of living?
I have already explained to the Deputy that the wages were far above those provided for in Order No. 166.
What were the wages?
In some cases £150 a year, £3 a week, and so on.
Would the Minister like to experience living on only £150 a year?