asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the urgent need for giving increased remuneration to agents under his Department; and what his intentions are in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Agents.
27.
There are two classes of agents employed in my Department: established agents and local agents (part-time).
Increased pay scales for established agents serving in my Department were negotiated under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Civil Service in December, 1964. These revised scales were effective from 1st January, 1964, and, from 1st February, 1964, attracted the 12 per cent increase under the National Wage Agreement of that year.
A claim on behalf of the local agents (part-time) for a revision of pay from 1st January, 1964, is at present awaiting hearing by the Arbitration Board and will be heard shortly. They have received the 12 per cent increase from 1st February, 1964.