asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the increased work imposed on national health insurance agents under recent social welfare legislation; and, if so, if he will state what increase in remuneration it is proposed to pay them for the additional work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Insurance Agents.
There has been a transitory increase in the work of certain national health insurance agents as a result of recent social welfare legislation. The question of making a special payment to the agents concerned, by way of a gratuity, for this work is under consideration. I regret that it is not possible at this stage to indicate the amount of the payment, if any, which may be made.
I am sure the Minister is aware of the fact that quite a considerable amount of additional work is imposed on these agents at present, who, outside a couple of cities, are paid on a part-time basis. Would the Minister be able to say when he hopes to pay them whatever sum is ultimately to be paid?
As far as I can see— although it would undoubtedly require further examination—the extra work is transitory, and as soon as the new books are issued the work of the national health insurance agents will not be any heavier than it was before.
It is heavier now.
At the moment, yes. The question is being considered whether they are to get a gratuity or not for this particular work.
Do you agree that they should get something additional for the additional work they are doing at present?
It merits consideration.
Would that apply to all national health agents, whether part-time or not?
It would.
Could the Minister give any indication when they are likely to get it?
I could not say. We will have to wait a little longer to see what this transitory increase in work will amount to, and also to be sure, as a result of the Act, that the work is not increased permanently.