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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Apr 1976

Vol. 289 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Board of Conservator Staffs.

13.

andMr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the proposals he has for the improvement of the working conditions of waterkeepers and other staffs of boards of conservators; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The working conditions of waterkeepers and other staffs of boards of conservators have been reviewed on a number of occasions recently and I am pleased to state that their rates of pay have increased substantially in recent years.

A further review of the working conditions of these staffs is nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to announce a decision shortly.

Mr. Kitt

Will the workers referred to in the question have permanent pensionable positions, better working hours and overtime?

As I indicated in the reply, I will review the position from time to time because, undoubtedly, their rates of pay and conditions of employment were not good. As an indication of what has happened, the pay has moved from £20.70 on 1st January, 1973, to £44.64 at the present time. Waterkeepers got all the increases under the national wage agreement and, as well as that, I gave them an additional £5 which was approved by the Government, in view of their special circumstances. We are updating their payments and improving their conditions. I have no doubt that when the fisheries legislation is before the House we will have more to say on the role of the waterkeepers in the future.

Mr. Kitt

They work a seven-day week with no superannuation scheme and no continuity of employment.

It is very hard for this Government to rectify all these grievances in the short term of three years. These people had £20 when you left office. They have £44.70 now. Their conditions have improved to some extent. There was no question of a pension scheme or any other increase or improvements in their conditions taking place. We are doing a reasonably good job as far as these people are concerned. I am pleased to state that they appreciate that.

While the rate of the weekly wage has increased very substantially, is it not also a fact that with the figure the Parliamentary Secretary quoted the duties and the hours have also been revised very substantially upwards?

I think the position would be the other way round. Since 1973 the hours of employment have not increased. In any case, they are reasonably satisfied.

Mr. Kitt

These people have not parity with other workers and what will the Parliamentary Secretary do to ensure parity?

The prevention of illegal fishing is very important particularly where inland fisheries are concerned and great emphasis is being laid on its prevention. Possibly there will be new thinking in fisheries legislation in regard to the role of waterkeepers, their recruitment and appointment. Many people think waterkeepers should be recruited in the same way as members of the Garda Síochána and should work in districts away from their own homes. I see a great deal of merit in waterkeepers working away from their own immediate locality because of the difficulty and embarrassment at times imposed on them in bringing neighbours and friends to book for breaking the fishery laws. The whole system should be changed.

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