asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that, to date, no decision has been made by the Commissioners for Public Works on a claim submitted on the 2nd November, 1949, by the Workers' Union of Ireland for improved wage rates and conditions of employment on behalf of employees of the Board of Works in the Phoenix Park and St. Stephen's Green, despite the fact that by letter dated the 28th February, 1950, he personally indicated that an early conference would be convened to discuss the claim and that such conference was held on the 9th March, 1950; and further, whether he considers that such delay in dealing with claims by low-paid Government employees is justifiable in any degree.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Board of Works Employees.
The employees referred to in the Deputy's question were given an all-round increase of 11/- a week (men) and 5/6 a week (women) in 1948, with effect from the 1st August of that year. The claim submitted on the 2nd November, 1949, as expanded in the conference held on the 9th March, 1950, covered, as well as an increase in wages, a number of other matters in regard to conditions of employment. Most of these matters have required careful and detailed consideration. I hope, however, to be able to make an announcement at a very early date.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that for a period of no less than six weeks there have been personal and telephone inquiries made to himself and his Department and on every occasion the same reply came: that they hoped to have a decision fairly soon? Again, this particular claim is not a claim of 1948 but of 1949, and all the items in it are well known to the commissioners and their officials and do not require detailed examination.
The proposals put forward cover many points and the best I can do is to promise a statement at an early date, and I can assure the Deputy I will make that announcement.
You are giving him hope, anyway.
There seems to be a desire on both sides of the House to prolong the time for questions to-day.
Perhaps it is because they are having their photographs taken.
I should like to give notice that I desire to raise this matter on the Adjournment this evening.
The fact is that we have this matter under consideration and it gives rise to many points. I can assure the Deputy that the employees' interests will be looked after.