asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce (a) what percentage increase was granted this year to the professional, administrative and clerical staffs of C.I.E., (b) when the increase was paid, (c) whether it was retrospective, and, if so, to what date, (d) whether the application for an increase was heard by the Labour Court, (e) what was the cost of the increase, and (f) whether such cost is in any way responsible for the increases in bus fares.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.I.E. Wages Increase.
I have made inquiries from C.I.E., and I have been informed that :—(a) an average increase of 6.3 per cent. was granted this year to their administrative, clerical, professional, technical and supervisory staff; (b) and (c) in the case of clerks, station masters and rail operative supervisors the increase was paid in February, 1955; and was retrospective to October, 1954; in the case of other groups the increases were paid at various dates between April and July, 1955, and retrospective dates varied between January and March, 1955; (d) these increases were not awarded by the Labour Court but were granted following Joint Industrial Council recommendations, agreements with the trades unions concerned, or were given by the board; (e) the total cost of the increases was £70,942 per annum; (f) only a small proportion of these increases is attributable to road passenger services and the cost would have no significant effect on bus fares.
Is the Minister aware that C.I.E. have disproportionately increased the bus fares and shortened the distances in the City of Dublin causing hardship on those living in the outlying districts of Crumlin, Ballyfermot, Finglas and Dollymount?
Is not that an entirely separate question?
Mr. Lemass
How did the Deputy vote at the meeting of the Dublin Corporation?
He voted against discussing it.
Would the Minister make further inquiries to see if C.I.E. have been justified in doing what they have done?
The Deputy is asking an entirely separate question.