asked the Minister for Health whether in view of the fact that since 1951 health inspectors have had to perform increased duties under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, the Office Premises Act, the Rats and Mice Destruction Act and in respect of food and drug sampling, etc., and have not received commensurate increases in salary with other officers in the local authority service, he will take steps to ensure that the salary scale of these health inspectors will be considerably improved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Inspectors: Salary Scale.
8.
The remuneration of health inspectors is primarily a matter for the individual health authorities. While additional duties which are related to those prescribed for health inspectors have from time to time been assigned to them in the period since 1951, I am not aware that there has been any change in the nature of the duties and responsibilities of health inspectors which would of itself warrant an increase in their remuneration. Apart from the current round of salary revisions they have received increases in salary commensurate with other officers in the local service. I understand that the question of further revision of the salary scale of health inspectors is at present under consideration and I am prepared to consider any reasonable proposals which may be submitted to me in that connection by the health authorities.
Would the Minister not agree that they have had the lowest percentage increase of any of the officials of his Department? Is it not correct to say that, in addition to their normal duties since 1951, they have had to take on food and drugs sampling, inspections under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960, and the Office Premises Act, 1958, and to do de-infestation under the Rats and Mice Infestation Act, 1919 and are these not four additional duties?
They are, but I am not satisfied that they make any sensible addition to the burden of their responsibilities or duties.
Surely they take up time, and these men are not paid any overtime?
Of course, one way of dealing with that is to appoint more health inspectors.
But you cannot even get them to take the job.
Give them free butter.