asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware (a) that a request was made to his Department in November, 1946, by the staff of the Ordnance Survey Office that wages be paid weekly instead of fortnightly to the employees in this office in the Phoenix Park; (b) that following a query from the director in December, 1947, the staff agreed to accept payment at the rate of 1/14th of the quarterly salary per week and the balance on the last day of each quarter; (c) that delay in putting this agreement into effect is causing grave hardship; and, (d) if so, whether he will now ensure that payments are made weekly; further, if he will indicate when payment on this basis will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ordnance Survey Staff Payments.
(a) I am aware that a request was made to my Department by the Government Employees' Federation in November, 1946, to have the wages of certain employees of the Ordnance Survey Office paid weekly instead of twice monthly. The Federation was informed that, as this was a purely departmental matter, it should, under existing arrangements for staff representations, be taken up directly with the Ordnance Survey Office;
(b) The Ordnance Survey Staff Association acted accordingly and in January, 1948, they informed the Director of Ordnance Survey that they agreed to the basis of payment set out in the question;
I am not aware of (c);
(d) The departure suggested by the association from the general procedure governing the payment of annual salaries was found impracticable. As an alternative it has been decided to substitute weekly rates of pay for the annual rates now paid to the technical assistant grade in the office. My Department expects to reach agreement with the association on the converted rates of pay at an early date. Provided there is agreement, there will be little delay in changing over to a weekly basis of payment.
Is the Minister aware that the staff employed in the Ordnance Survey Office agreed to a change of status from that of salaried officials to wage earners several months ago as a result of my representations, and that they are impatient waiting for a decision from his Department? Can the Minister give any indication as to when a decision will be given?
The proposals, as they have been sent in, are not entirely acceptable. There are other discussions going on. It is not expected there will be any further difficulty, but subject to that it is believed the payment on a weekly basis can commence on the first week of August.