asked the Minister for Lands whether he has been approached by a deputation representing instructresses employed by the Congested Districts Board and his Department, with a view to procuring, firstly, for those still in the service of his Department (1) permanent establishment; (2) recognition of the period already served under the Congested Districts Board and his Department for pension purposes; and (3) review of salary scales so as to relate them justly to the present cost-of-living index figure; and, secondly, for those who have already retired, payment of superannuation allowances or pensions; and, if so, whether he will state what action he proposes to take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Instructresses' Conditions.
The answer to the first part of the question is yes. As regards the second part the question of obtaining permanent establishment for these officers has been examined on a number of occasions but it has not been found possible to make a case for exceptional treatment in their regard as compared with the large number of other officers serving in unestablished positions throughout the Civil Service. Their rates of pay have been adjusted from time to time in relation to the cost-of-living index figure.