asked the Minister for Health if he will state why he did not sanction the increase from £256 18s. 0d. to £296 18s. 0d. a year recommended to him by the Wexford County Manager for Mr. Edward Dillon, assistant stoker at the Mental Hospital, Enniscorthy, where he has been employed since 1937.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Hospital Stoker's Wages.
It is the general practice that the remuneration of trade and similar staffs employed in district mental hospitals should be related as far as practicable to local rates. On this basis Mr. Dillon's present remuneration is not unreasonable. For instance the present local rate for a builder's labourer in the Enniscorthy area is £5 1s. 10d. a week viz. £264 15s. 4d. a year. Mr. Dillon's remuneration is approximately 7/- a week or £18 2s. 8d. a year in excess of this.
In the circumstances of his case I feel that a further increase in Mr. Dillon's remuneration is not at present warranted.
Does the Minister think it fair to have a man working as assistant stoker for £3 10s. 0d. a week? If the matter is sent up again from the county manager, will he sanction the increase or does he think that £3 10s. 0d. is a living wage?
The Deputy did not hear what I said. I said he had £5 8s. 10d. a week.
When did he get that?
He has it for a good bit back.
He does not belong to the Fianna Fáil Party. That is the reason why he did not get it.
If he did belong to Fianna Fáil, he would not give wrong information.
He would have £7 10s. a week.