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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 1972

Vol. 259 No. 8

Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Firemen's Pay.

62.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he has sanctioned new scales of pay for part-time firemen; and, if so, what the new rates are.

I recently approved in the case of Galway County Council the terms of a Labour Court recommendation relating to the revision of the pay of the part-time firemen employed by that local authority. I also approved a proposal by Wicklow County Council based on this recommendation. I have notified other local authorities of the recommendation and have indicated that it is open to them if they so desire to vary existing remuneration in line with the recommendation.

So far as the new rates of pay are concerned the Labour Court recommendation provides for annual retaining fees of from £150 to £60 for the different grades and a basic hourly rate of 71 new pence for attendance at fires and drills.

As those part-time firemen perform similar duties would the Minister not agree that a uniform rate should be paid all round?

I should like to see a uniform rate and it is open to each local authority to apply the recommendation of the Labour Court.

In the case of firemen employed by the Clare local authority, if after negotiation a submission is made to the Minister will he approve of an increase in the retaining fee?

Fianna Fáil control the county council there and they will hardly agree to it.

Will the Minister approve of an increase when a submission is made to him?

I have already approved of the recommendation made by the Labour Court which, in effect, meant the following increases—the retaining fees were recommended to be increased by 50 per cent, the fire and drill fees by 20 per cent approximately and the clothing allowance by 25 per cent.

Would the Minister use his good offices with the Department of Finance to see that it is not taken back in tax?

That is a separate question.

It does not matter what offices he uses, good or bad, it will be taken.

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