asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the up-to-date position of the claims of the Garda Síochána clerks who are seeking a better deal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Clerks.
2.
The pay and conditions of the ranks which are concerned with clerical duties are matters for negotiation under the Garda conciliation and arbitration scheme. The scheme includes provision for determination of claims by an independent arbitrator in cases where agreement cannot be reached at conciliation. As the proceedings of the conciliation council are confidential, it is not open to me to make a public statement relating to claims which are before it.
Can the Minister say when he is likely to be in a position to let us know if this unpleasant situation which does exist will be cleared up?
As I indicated in my reply, the matter is presently being considered at conciliation council level. I have no control over these proceedings because they are independent essentially in their operations. It would be my wish that the situation to which the Deputy refers would be satisfactorily resolved as soon as possible. Certain short term and, indeed, long term solutions have been put forward by the Representative Body and these are being examined independently of the proceedings before conciliation.
May I take it from the Minister that no obstacles whatever will be placed in the way of a final decision by him and his Department?
I can assure the Deputy, certainly. It is my strong wish that this matter would be resolved.