asked the Minister for Social Welfare why temporary clerks employed at employment exchanges were not paid the increase granted in March last to temporary clerks in other Departments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Exchange Clerks.
In March last, when the Minister for Finance accepted an agreed recommendation of the General Council under the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for the Civil Service, an increase in pay was granted to temporary clerks in the general service. That recommendation did not apply to temporary clerks in employment exchanges who are a departmental grade and, therefore, an increase in pay could not be granted to them because of it. Since then, however, a claim for increased pay for temporary clerks employed in the Dublin employment exchanges has been made and is being dealt with by the departmental council in my Department.
Is it not a fact that temporary clerks are recognised as a departmental grade?
The temporary clerks are a departmental grade, but they are separate and distinct from the general service.
Then they will be granted an increase?
The departmental council are considering it at the present time.