asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he received representations from the Association of Branch Managers in his Department for improved wages and conditions; if so, the date on which the representations were received; and what action he has since taken in respect of the several claims.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Branch Managers.
13.
Representations for improved remuneration and conditions were received in my Department from the Association of Branch Managers on the 29th May, 1959.
The remuneration of Branch Managers is based on a scheme in operation since the 1st January, 1954, under which each Branch Employment Office is classified in accordance with the volume of work with which it has to deal. The classification was first reviewed in 1956 and it was arranged that there should be triennial reviews thereafter. Such a review was in progress at the time that representations were received from the Branch Managers' Association. In view of this, consideration of the representations was deferred pending completion of the review and the Branch Managers' Association was informed of the position. The review was completed in February, 1960, and as a result thereof a number of offices were re-classified, the great majority of them to their advantage. I should point out that in the meanwhile the increases in salaries awarded to the Civil Service generally from the 15th December, 1959, were also applied to the remuneration of Branch Managers.
Following completion of the review of the classification of Branch Employment Offices the matters raised in the representations made by the Branch Managers' Association were examined and on the 9th May, 1960, a deputation from the Association was received by my Parliamentary Secretary. A number of the matters dealt with in the written representations, and at the subsequent discussion, are still under consideration, but I hope to be in a position to give a decision in regard to them in the near future.
That is a long speech by way of answer.
Do I understand that the decision which he now promises to give shortly will include a decision on all the outstanding items which are the subject of discussion between the Association and his Department?
Any decision which I may be in a position to give would be a comprehensive one, naturally.
It will include all outstanding items?
I do not know precisely what all the outstanding items at this moment may be but it will certainly relate to all matters raised by the deputation which my Parliamentary Secretary saw.