asked the Minister for Education whether he has received a proposal from the County Carlow Vocational Education Committee recommending an increase in wages to Mr. L. Nolan, caretaker, Technical Schools, Carlow; and if he will state whether he proposes to sanction the increase in wages in view of the increased cost of living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Caretaker's Wages.
The caretaker of the Carlow Technical School is paid a weekly wage which, with cost-of-living bonus thereon, amounts to £2 15s. 6d. per week. A proposal has been made by the Vocational Education Committee to pay him at an inclusive rate of £3 per week in future, and this proposal cannot be approved.
In view of the fact that the official statistics show that the cost of living, when last officially ascertained, had risen by 45 per cent. over the 1939 level, will the Minister say on what grounds the Department of Education refuses to sanction an increase which amounts to no more than 7 per cent. to meet an admitted rise of not less than 45 per cent. in the cost of living?
For the same reason as it has not been found possible to sanction increases in the case of other employees of local authorities.
Does not the Minister realise that his colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, was recently lamenting the fact that people do not take advantage of the terms of Emergency Powers Order No. 166 to secure bonuses? Here is a local authority desirous to avail of the invitation of the Minister for Industry and Commerce, and increase the remuneration of this employee by 7 per cent., the cost of living having increased by 45 per cent., yet the Department of Education refuses to sanction the increase.
The Deputy is aware of the fact that there are two proposals here. It is proposed not merely to increase the man's remuneration, but also to change the basis of it.
What is the objection to conceding the claim? Is it in the man's interest you refuse to give him the increase?