asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the special difficulties of junior members of the Civil Service consequent on the rise in the cost of living; and what steps he proposes to take to overcome their special difficulty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service and Cost of Living.
The increases in the cost-of-living bonus granted under the terms of the Civil Service (Stabilisation of Bonus) (Amendment) Regulations, 1942, afforded a measure of relief to the junior members of the Civil Service. As the Deputy is aware, the cost of living difficulties created by the present emergency affect not only civil servants but the community generally. The question of granting further relief to civil servants, particularly to members of the lower grades, is under active consideration.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, am I to take it that he recognises the distinction that must be made between the higher grades of the Civil Service who have comparatively adequate salaries and who must be expected to share the hardships the community is passing through, and the very low-grade civil servants whose remuneration, in many cases, falls below £3 a week, and who do require some assistance to meet the increased cost analogous to that which is available to other workers through the bonus Orders at present being made by the Minister for Industry and Commerce?
I recognise the distinction certainly.
And the Minister does intend to make available to the lower grades in the Civil Service some assistance analogous to the bonus circulating among other classes of workers?
In view of the many thousands of persons employed in the Post Office with wages lower than £3 a week, will the Minister ensure that this matter will receive urgent consideration? An announcement of a decision at an early date would give those persons some relief from the hardships they are suffering at present.
It is receiving urgent consideration.
When may a decision be expected?
Will any grant the Minister intends to make be made before Christmas?
Perhaps.
Will the Minister do his best to get an announcement made before Christmas?
I am doing that.
That is fair.
There will be relief after the announcement?
There will.
That remains to be seen.
The Christmas spirit will influence the Minister.