asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the reason why there is a difference between the rate of bonus which his Department permits local authorities to pay to their employees, as compared with the rate allowed to other workers, under Emergency Powers (No. 260) Order, 1943.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rates of Bonus.
The Emergency Powers (No. 260) Order, 1943, does not extend to all occupations in which persons arc employed other than under local bodies. In fixing the amount of emergency bonus in the case of employees of local authorities regard had to be given by local bodies to the rates of wages payable in essential occupations such as agricultural production and the production of turf, as well as the existing rate of pay and the level of wages in corresponding outside employment. In connection with this matter generally, it must be remembered that the members of local communities, many of whom are themselves hard pressed, and without direct compensation for the increased cost of living, are required to provide the money for the remuneration of local staffs.