asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in regard to the Taoiseach's statement in November last that the time was opportune for a wage increase for workers, whether it was intended that the increase should apply to all workers in all employments, whether represented by trade unions or not; if it was so intended, whether he will take steps to ensure that the wage increase is applied to the thousands of workers who have not received it, and who have been informed that the Taoiseach's statement did not apply to them; and if it was not so intended, if he will make clear what the intention was.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Wage Increase.
5.
The Taoiseach's statement, referred to by the Deputy, clearly indicated the Government's desire that all workers should have a share in the benefits of the country's economic growth by way of wage and salary increases. The statement was made in the context of the traditional method of wage and salary fixing in this country, which is through a process of free negotiation. It was not contemplated that there should be any change in this method or that the Government should introduce measures to compel employers to pay increases to workers. As was pointed out in the Taoiseach's statement, it is expected, however, that the general wage and salary increase which has been negotiated by organised groups will assist workers who are not organised in trade unions to secure corresponding benefits.
Is the Minister not aware that when the agreement between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the employers' representatives was concluded, it was made a part of the recommendation that the wage increases would still be negotiated between the trade unions and the individual employers?
I have the report of the arrangements which were made. It was a matter for negotiation.