asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that in the Civil Service all widowers, regardless of whether they have children, receive the marriage allowance in their salary, whereas widows who return to work in the service receive no such allowance even if they have children to maintain; and if he will ensure that in future the marriage allowance is paid to widows on the same footing as widowers, particularly in cases where the widows have children to support.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Marriage Allowance.
60.
In regard to the first part of the question, payment of higher salaries on marriage in the Civil Service applies only to men who are in grades remunerated on a marriage-differentiated basis. Such men receive lower salaries while unmarried and this makes possible the payment to them, on marriage, of higher salaries and, in addition, of children's allowances. In regard to the second part of the question, matters of this sort are appropriate for discussion under the agreed Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration.
Could we take it that if an approach were made to his Department, the Minister would give it sympathetic consideration?
I have looked at the file and certainly it is a matter in which there is room for discussion; I agree with that.