asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has received representations from the county manager in County Kildare requesting authority to increase the wages of overseers and engine-drivers who are employed by the Kildare County Council, and who are paid at the rate of from 8/- to 10/- per day; and if he will state whether he proposes to authorise an increase of wages in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare County Council Employees' Wages.
Proposals by the county manager to grant increases to overseers were received and increases have been sanctioned in the case of the lower-paid overseers. The proposals in the other cases are under consideration. No proposals for increases to engine-drivers have been received.
When is a decision likely to be reached in respect of an increase of wages for the categories mentioned in the question?
I am afraid I cannot give the Deputy any further information. The matter is under consideration and will be dealt with as soon as possible.
I take it that, having regard to the recent declaration of what purports to be Government policy as to increases in rates of wages because of the very substantial increase in the cost of living, these workers will not be denied an increase?
The Deputy is, I suppose, entitled to make certain deductions.
What is the case for refusing to sanction increases to any of these classes, seeing that other officials of the county council have received sanction?
This question refers to workers under the Kildare County Council. General questions cannot be raised on that matter.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary, in considering this matter, bear in mind the statement made by the Minister for Industry and Commerce some time ago in which he deplored the fact that full use was not being made of the facilities for securing increases under the Emergency Powers Orders, and, bearing that in mind, will he come to a favourable and expeditious decision in this case?
All relevant matters will be borne in mind.