asked the Minister for Health whether he has received the recommendation of the County Manager of County Galway that two turf trimmers employed at the Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, should be paid at the urban rather than the rural rate; whether he has sanctioned this payment at the urban rate; and, if not, why, in view of the fact that Merlin Park Hospital has been accepted by employers, unions and local authorities as being within the urban area for the purposes of wage rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of Turf Trimmers at Galway Hospital.
7.
In 1955, I authorised payment to turf trimmers at Merlin Park, Galway at the rate current in the district for persons in similar employment.
The decision as to whether these workmen should be paid at the urban or the rural rate is a matter for the local authority to decide in the light of current practice in the area.
Is it not correct that the local authority through the manager has recommended to the Minister's Department payment at the urban rate?
No, I do not think so. In any event, it is a matter entirely for the local authority.
Without sanction at all?
Would the Minister be prepared to sanction it if the local authority recommend it?
That is the tenor of the reply.