asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of temporary clerks, distinguishing between male and female, employed in the Finance Branch of his Department, and their average ages; whether he will state the number of (a) male, and (b) female temporary clerks whose basic salary is (1) less than 30/- per week; (2) between 30/- and 40/- per week; (3) between 40/- and 50/- per week; (4) between 50/- and 60/- per week, and (5) over 60/-, whether he will state further the tenure under which temporary posts are held in this branch of his Department and whether men who entered the service at an inclusive wage were subsequently placed on basic salary plus bonus; and, if so, on what grounds.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Temporary Clerks in Defence Department.
There are 74 male temporary clerks employed in the Finance Branch of my Department. No female temporary clerks are employed. The average age of the male temporary clerks is 41 years. They are all in receipt of a basic salary of 29/9 per week plus bonus which brings the salary of each married man up to 58/1 a week and each single man up to 56/7 a week. The tenure under which the posts are held is purely temporary. Those men who entered the service at an inclusive wage were subsequently placed on basic salary plus bonus—the change being made to give these temporary officers the benefit of any increased remuneration allowable under the Civil Service (Stabilisation of Bonus) (Amendment) Regulations, 1942.
Is the Minister aware that there is seething discontent amongst those employed in the finance section of his Department in view of the low wage standard there which does not permit them to provide sufficient food and clothing for themselves and their families? Is he further aware that a large number of the employees there have applied to the Minister for Industry and Commerce for passports to go to Britain? In these circumstances, would the Minister take immediate steps to improve the wage standard in this section of his Department?
I cannot make any promise in that respect.
In addition to the wages mentioned by the Minister, are they supplied with any food or clothing?
Not at all.
I am not surprised then that there is discontent.