asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to reports of dissatisfaction with pay and conditions among Garda inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
47.
Written Answers. - Garda Pay.
46.
asked the Minister for Justice if he has received representations from the Garda Representative Body for sergeants, station sergeants and inspectors concerning the payment of an overtime rate or other appropriate allowances to inspectors; and when a decision may be expected on this claim.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.
The newspaper reports referred to are based on what is admitted to be an anonymous letter purporting to come from just one inspector. Garda inspectors, as I pointed out in answer to somewhat similar questions on 22nd June last, benefited, in common with other ranks of the force, from the improved conditions recommended by the Conroy Commission. Further improvements in pay and conditions are negotiated from time to time under the Garda conciliation and arbitration scheme which covers all ranks up to and including chief superintendent. Claims under this scheme have been made on behalf of inspectors but, as the proceedings of the conciliation council are confidential, it is not open to me to make a statement regarding them. However, as the scheme provides full means by which claims disagreed at the conciliation stage may be taken to independent arbitration, I do not accept that inspectors have any grounds for dissatisfaction in this respect.