asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for each Department of State that every employee in receipt of less than £1,200 per annum shall be covered by a satisfactory sick pay and superannuation scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sick Pay and Superannuation Schemes.
10.
Particulars of the sick pay and superannuation schemes at present in operation were given by me in reply to questions on 30th November, 1965 and 2nd November last. It is the practice of my Department to maintain such benefits at a level not less favourable than that applying to comparable workers outside the State service. The question of extending benefits in the light of developments in outside employment is under consideration.
Mr. O'Leary
Can the Minister give us any assurance that the phrase "under consideration" means that we will have some action in the immediate future? Are there any details available to the Minister from which he could forecast any action in the matter?
As the Deputy will be aware, certain negotiations for a sick pay scheme are very far advanced in the building trade. The Deputy will also be aware that it is the practice of the State to follow such outside arrangements and when the outside arrangements in this matter have been agreed, there will be little or no delay in coming to agreement within the State services.
Is the Minister aware that there is a proposal in his Department from the Department of Lands for the past 18 months and that his Department has been unable to give a reply or a comment on it?
I do not know how long the proposal has been there but in these matters the State waits until outside arrangements have been agreed upon.