asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state whether he has completed the survey of work of insurance agents employed by his Department which he indicated in December last to the association representing the agents that he proposed to have carried out; and, if so, whether he proposes to increase the pay of the officers concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance Agents' Pay.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part of the question, the revision of the general basis of remuneration of unestablished or rural agents is under consideration arising out of the changes effected by the Social Welfare Act, 1952, and thefindings of the officers who made the survey will be taken into account in the determination of any revised basis of remuneration.
I understood that the deputation which saw the Minister was promised that the result of the survey would be communicated to them before the end of February. We are now in August and, apparently, they have heard nothing as to what will happen following the survey or what increase in remuneration they are likely to receive. Can the Parliamentary Secretary give us any enlightenment on these matters?
Will the Parliamentary Secretary tell us when the insurance agents in Cork will be raised up to the standard of pay in Dublin?
The matter is under active consideration by the Minister and he will deal with it as promptly as possible.
May I have a reply to my question? I understood the Minister promised the deputation that they would be informed as to the result of the survey before the end of February. That has not happened apparently, and I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary to let me know when they are likely to hear the result of this survey and when their pay will be revised as a result of the survey.
If the Minister was not held up and obstructed in this House on the Health Bill and other matters he would have had time to deal with the matter.
That is great consolation to Deputy McGrath's agents.