asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether it is his intention to sanction an increase in wages for road workers where such is recommended by the county council, and whether he will state generally, for the guidance of local authorities, the policy of his Department in regard to applications for increased wages from road workers and low-paid employees of local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increases in Road Workers' Wages.
Wage increases to road workers or other employees of a local authority are matters for consideration by the county manager and in coming to a decision he must have regard to the rating position in the county and the effect of any additional burden on the general body of ratepayers. I could not properly give any indication or direction to county managers in advance of any proposals from them in regard to matters in which they have direct responsibility. If I did so, I fear the Deputy might say that county managers were appointed to carry out instructions of the Minister.
In view of the fact that county managers have already notified the Department of their agreement to increases in wages, what action is the Minister prepared to take to implement these promises to employees?
That is quite a separate question.
It is a matter of the county council having, during the Minister's term of office, passed increases of wages for the workers. The county manager has agreed with the county council's resolution and, in view of that, will the Minister now agree to the county manager's request? In view of the appeal of the Minister for Supplies to employers to increase the wages of their employees, if possible, will the Minister now agree to sanction the increases?
I am not the employer of any worker under a local authority.
Am I to take it that the Minister agrees with the county manager's decision?
I have nothing to add to the reply I have given.
Nothing to add to nothing.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether he recently received a communication from the manager for the Counties Leix and Offaly, recommending increased rates of wages for the road workers employed by the county councils of the counties mentioned; the amount of the increase submitted for his approval; whether he is prepared to sanction the payment of the amount recommended; or if he will state the reason, if any, for refusing to do so.
A proposal was received from the county manager for an increase of 5/- in the weekly rate of wages for road workers in County Laoighis. An increase of 2/- was sanctioned. I have not received any proposals for an increase in the wages of road workers in Offaly.
Is the Minister aware that in the case of the Leix County Council an agreement was negotiated between representatives of all parties in the county council, the county manager and the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union for an increase of 5/-, and will he say under what authority he refuses to sanction that increase? Is he also aware that quarry workers employed by the railway company in the same area recently received sanction from his colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, in respect of an increase of 5/- a week? Is he further aware that the Agricultural Wages Board in that area——
The Deputy may not make a speech.
I am asking questions.
The Chair is the judge. A speech can be made in the guise of questions—even a long speech—contrasting the wages of different classes of workers in an area.
Is the Minister further aware that the Agricultural Wages Board operating in the same area recently recommended unanimously an increase of 4/- per week? Will he say whether he is aware of the Cabinet's policy, or whether he is still a member of the Government which is responsible for that policy?
I am aware that the minimum agricultural wage rate at present in force in County Leix is 33/- for a 54-hour week. The Leix workers are now being paid 32/- for a 48-hour week. I see no reason for fixing a higher rate for road workers than for agricultural workers.
Will the Minister say on what authority he refuses to sanction the increase of 5/- which has been negotiated in a proper way?
By the authority vested in me as Minister for Local Government and Public Health.
By the authority of a dictator.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
Question No. 42.