andMr. Tunney asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that Recommendation No. 4067 of the Labour Court, dated 11th October, 1976, has not yet been implemented; if he will arrange for the terms of the recommendation awarding increments to the technicians employed by Dublin VEC to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin VEC Technicians.
31.
I understand that the Minister for Education has advised the city of Dublin Vocational Education Committee to the effect that the Labour Court recommendation in question may be implemented with effect from 1st June, 1975.
When was this information conveyed to the Dublin VEC?
I presume the information has been conveyed to the VEC by the Department of Education but the general clearance for this circumstances was made on 18th February, 1977. The GIS, on behalf of the Government, issued a statement on that date to the effect that if the national wage agreement was ratified particular awards would be implemented, this being one of them. The agreement was ratified, as the Deputy is aware.
Why was there such an excessive delay in implementing the recommendation of the Labour Court of October, 1976, retrospective to June, 1975? Would the Minister not regard this as an injustice to those who were the subject of the recommendation?
The recommendation of the court accepted that the authorities concerned could plead inability to pay and it was on that basis that the payment was not made. The claim fell into the category of special pay increases over and above standard increases and, as the Deputy is aware, that is a very complex area. There are many views on the equity or otherwise of such claims. The matter has now been satisfactorily settled, the recommendation accepted and payment will be made to those concerned.
While welcoming the settlement, belated though it is, I should like to ask the Minister if he is aware that at no stage did the Dublin VEC claim inability to pay?
Mr. O'Leary
I said that the Labour Court recommendation permitted that explanation to be given for nonpayment in those areas. The Department of Education considered that this payment came under the embargo which operated for several such claims in the public service. This embargo has been lifted in relation to this matter and the recommendation of the Labour Court will be fully honoured.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.