asked the Minister for Finance whether any steps have been taken in relation to the review of Civil Service pay arising out of the Civil Service pay agreement of 1948; and, if so, the result of such steps as have been taken and the present position in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Pay Review.
The question of the review of the 1948 Civil Service pay agreement is being dealt with under the newly-established machinery of conciliation and arbitration for the Civil Service. The matter has been discussed on a number of occasions at the Civil Service General Council and, these discussions not having resulted in agreement, the staff side have forwarded a statement of case for transmission to the Civil Service Arbitration Board. A counter-statement to the staff claim is at present being prepared and when it has been completed the claim will be referred to the arbitration board.
Will the Minister undertake to give consideration to the matter?
I have nothing to do with the expedition of it. It rolls along under its own procedure.
Would the Minister grant an immediate increase?
By no means. That would prejudice the whole system.