asked the Minister for Defence whether the Workers' Union of Ireland submitted a claim on the 1st December, 1948, for increased rates of wages for stokers, mobile engine drivers and tradesmen's mates employed in Kildare Barracks and the Curragh Training Camp, following upon the increase of district building trade rates; and, if so, whether a decision will be forthcoming without further delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased Wages Claims.
A claim was submitted by the Workers' Union of Ireland on the 1st December, 1948, for increased rates of wages for stokers, blacksmiths' helpers, assistant turncock, mobile engine drivers and steersmen employed by my Department at the Curragh Camp and Kildare Barracks. The employees in question are among a number of general classes in the Kildare area whose wages are not directly affected by agreements governing the wages of outside employees in the building industry. The question of the grant of an increase in the wages of the employees in respect of whom application has been made is being pursued and will be decided at the earliest possible date.
Is the Minister aware that the problem of relating the wages of these employees to outside classes of workers has now been pursued for the last eight years and no decision has yet been found?
I would call the Deputy's attention to the last sentence in the reply—that it will reach a conclusion at an early date.
asked the Minister for Defence whether the Workers' Union of Ireland submitted a claim for increased rates of wages on behalf of the chefs and waiters employed in Kildare Barracks and the Curragh Training Camp on 5th October last; and, if so, whether in view of the very prolonged delay a decision on this claim may now be expected.
A claim was submitted by the Workers' Union of Ireland on the 5th October last for increased rates for chefs and waiters employed in Kildare Barracks and the Curragh Training Camp. Certain difficulties have arisen in connection with the general question of increases for these classes in other areas. It is hoped, however, to dispose of the application on behalf of the employees at Kildare Barracks and the Curragh Camp at an early date.
Would it be unfair to ask the Minister whether he considers a period of five months sufficiently long to inquire into a small claim of this character? We are experiencing this particular type of delay in many Government Departments. Could the Minister not set a headline in his own Department by giving a decision in regard to these small cases?
As the Deputy is aware, any questions of this character have to be considered in relation to a number of Departments. If we could get all these things through in five months, we would be doing very well.