asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the hardship being suffered by those in the lower wages groups in State employment because of the present cost of living; and what active consideration is being given to increasing the wages of these groups.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages of State Employees.
37.
Pay negotiations affecting lower paid groups are already in train over a wide range of State employments. A pay claim covering all classes coming within the Civil Service conciliation and arbitration scheme is at present being dealt with under the agreed machinery.
The pay of industrial classes is determined primarily by reference to that of workers in comparable employment outside. Several groups have already automatically received increases following the relevant general adjustment and, in the other cases, increases will be given when a definite pattern has been established. In addition, service pay claims have been made for many of these workers and negotiations are expected to conclude at an early date.