asked the Minister for Health when he intends to make the necessary order concerning the increase in wages of 5/- a week granted by the Wexford County Manager, on the 19th November, 1946, to Edward Dillon, the stoker in the Enniscorthy Mental Hospital; and if he will state the causes of delay in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Wages Increase.
Information relating to the case of Edward Dillon—which was asked for from the mental hospital on 9th January last—was received only on the 21st May. A further proposal respecting this employee's remuneration has recently been received and is under consideration.
Is the Minister aware that this man has been a stoker in the institution for the past ten years, that he has a wage of 30/- a week, ration money amounting to 5/- and a bonus of 11/-, and that the recommendation in his case was made last November? Is it any wonder that the workers are getting out of patience waiting on the Government, which is so slow, to grant sanction to such increases, not alone in the case of mental hospitals but of other institutions?
The Deputy cannot blame the Government for being so slow. I could not have given a decision on a letter which I only received yesterday.
Was it the fault of the resident medical superintendent then?