asked the Minister for Justice whether consideration has been given to the granting of pay increases to members of the Garda Síochána who did not benefit from the recent eighth round increase; and with what result.
124.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Pay Increase.
122.
asked the Minister for Justice if any arrangements have been made to increase the pay of rank and file Gardaí and so ensure that they obtain their share of the eighth round of wage increases.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions No. 122 and 124 together.
At I stated in the House on 15th November last claims and proposals relating to the pay and conditions of service of the ranks of the Garda Síochana, up to and including the rank of Chief Superintendent, fall to be dealt with exclusively under the Garda Síochána Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme.
Within the last two years the Gardaí have got three substantial increases in their pay and pension: an Arbitration Award of April, 1960 is costing £500,000 annually; the adjustment of rent allowance in December 1960 is costing an additional £154,000; and the increases in pay granted from 1st November last will cost another £400,000 per year.
A new claim for pay increases was submitted on 13th January and is awaiting consideration by the Conciliation Council.
Can the Minister give any indication as to when those Gardaí with less than five years' service who were involved in the dispute last year are likely to receive their increases?
The position is, as I have said, that a new claim for pay increases was submitted on 13th January last and it is at the moment under consideration by the Conciliation Council. I am not at liberty to disclose what exactly is involved in the demand formulated by the Garda side, and I cannot give any indication as to when the conciliation machinery will dispose of that particular claim.