Vol. 192 No. 7
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among the B.M.P.s. owing to the inadequate remuneration they receive, and to the fact that they have no independent means of arbitration; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
71.
asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the discontent that exists among sub-postmasters because of the completely inadequate payment received from the postal authorities; and if he will take steps to increase the payment substantially.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 70 and 71 together.
The Sub-Postmasters' Consultative Council provides machinery for consultation between the Department and the Sub-Postmasters' Union on matters affecting remuneration and as a result of agreements reached at the Council substantial increases in remuneration have been granted to Sub-Postmasters in the last few years. Further claims for increases are under consideration by the Council at present.
Sub-Postmasters are contractors paid on the basis of volume of work done at their offices; they are not required to give personal service and it is not proposed to introduce arbitration for them.
Does the Minister not consider it would be just and equitable to give them independent arbitration?
The question of giving them the right to arbitration machinery is not a new one. It has been considered on several occasions. I went into the matter very fully on the Estimate earlier in the year. The matter is not under consideration at present.
