asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the grievances of contractors' men working with Office of Public Works employees on similar work but not enjoying the privileges and security of the Board's employees; why a decision to rationalise the situation was reversed; if steps will now be taken to remedy the men's grievances, and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Board of Works Contractors' Men.
35.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply to a previous question on this matter on 19th October last. The matter is still under consideration.
I am aware of the reply to which the Parliamentary Secretary has referred. Would he not consider that there should be some reasonable approach to this matter so as to end the present injustice by which men carrying out exactly similar duties are employed in entirely different circumstances? One set receives longer holidays than the other. One set is entitled to be absent on sick leave on a certain number of days annually and the same set is also entitled to pension rights. How can the Parliamentary Secretary justify this extended period of consideration of this perfectly simple matter?
I must tell Deputy Ryan that this is not quite such a simple matter as he thinks. The established practice in the Board of Works has obtained for many decades and the dismantling of such an employment structure is not as simple a matter as the Deputy apparently thinks it is. I should also like to refute his suggestion that there has been any unnecessary loss of time in dealing with this matter.